At a position where recognition can be hard to come by, Cartersville High offensive lineman Justin Floyd has seen his notoriety grow during his senior year, a culmination of four years' worth of hard work.

Before a single snap had taken place, Floyd already had been named to the pre-season all-state team, and the season continuously improved for he and his Purple Hurricanes team.

Cartersville returned to the Georgia High School Association playoffs for the first time since 2008 after its 8-2 regular season, and the Canes nearly pulled off a come-from-behind win on the road against Cedar Grove in the playoffs but ultimately lost, 30-24.

"My senior year was definitely one to remember, and I'm glad it ended that way [in the state playoffs]. I am disappointed that we couldn't put it in [the end zone] against Cedar Grove," Floyd said. "I'm glad I had the senior year that I had, and I definitely enjoyed it."

A three-year starter at Cartersville, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound Floyd helped solidify an offensive line with a few new starters.

"We had new starters up front. He had to be the guy that was the leader of that group," Canes coach Frank Barden said. "I think that was a key role he played with our offensive line and in our locker room as well."

It could not have been easy for Floyd, who saved his best for his final prep season -- even with numerous college offers to consider.

"Yeah, it was definitely a fun time and also a hectic time, trying to figure out where I wanted to go," said the Cartersville senior, who had scholarship offers from Southern Miss, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, Illinois, Furman, Western Carolina, Jacksonville State in Alabama, Illinois State, Georgia State and Carson-Newman in Jefferson City, Tenn.

Floyd narrowed his choices to three schools: Southern Miss, Memphis and Furman, the only schools he has visited thus far.

"Basically, it just came down to academics and [it was] the degree at Furman that I really wanted," he said of his choice to join the Greenville, S.C. university after high school. "I knew coming out of Furman I'd have options."

Before Floyd becomes a Paladin, though, he will suit up as high school player once more in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Football Classic in Columbus.

"It's a whole lot different from what I've been seeing because we got the best defensive ends in the state coming off the edge," Floyd said Monday after GACA all-star practice. "It's very exciting because I put four years into this. To finally come to all of this, it's very exciting. I'm glad the coaches made me work as hard as they did."

Barden acknowledged that Floyd's climb into the state's elite is not at all hard to believe.

"I think it's something [where] he's been given that God-given talent. I think he's prepared himself and worked to develop that talent. It's something that's just the result of hard work ... and opportunities have come his way," the 15th-year Cartersville coach said. "It's a huge honor. It's a great honor for the player because I think it's the end result of all those things we mentioned ... the years you've put in through your high school career.

"It's a privilege to go down and represent our school and our community."

Floyd has received other honors this season, including first team on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution All-State Football Team (compiled by Georgia High School Football Daily) and the Region 7-AAA All-Region Team.

"I've gotten all these honors," said Floyd, Cartersville's most improved offensive player in 2009 and a member of The Daily Tribune News' All-County Football Team as a sophomore. "I'm just looking forward to showing what I can do against the best in the state."

The GACA North-South All-Star Football Classic kicks off at 2 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

Floyd may be in the ascent of his football career now, but that will not be the case forever, something his dad, Jay Floyd, Cartersville High's principal and a former Hart County offensive lineman, has shared with him.

"Having him be a principal and having him support me the whole way, he's definitely helped me realize football's not always going to be there," Justin Floyd said.

"He's got great character," Barden said of Floyd, who has made the academic honor roll three years, is a Beta Club member and was nominated for Governor's Honors in graphic arts. "What he does on the field is just a reflection of the things he's been brought up to believe in. ... I think it's a sign of a kid whose gonna be successful later [on in life].

"[He is] just a well-rounded young man."