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Host with most gets recruits

Athletes use their power of persuasion to sway prospective students to their school.

By BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published January 29, 2005

Florida State junior Leon Washington isn't ashamed to admit it. He's a salesman.

Florida freshman Brandon Siler leaves the selling to the school. He tries to be candid about life on the field and off.

USF sophomore Stephen Nicholas pitches togetherness.

All have the same job, one that is critical to his team's success. Washington, Siler and Nicholas serve as student-athlete hosts during official recruiting visits. With national signing day Wednesday, their jobs are almost done.

"I like to do it because I love the university; I love Florida State University and I definitely want to see the school and the program get better and better," Washington said. "In order to do that, you have to recruit the athletes."

And it takes athletes to recruit the athletes.

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