National Signing Day: Where are the last 10 No. 1 overall prospects now?
By Dana Becker
After three seasons and just 14 games played, Byron Cowart left Auburn and signed with Maryland. The top-ranked recruit in the nation in 2015, Cowart was unable to live up to the hype bestowed upon him.
As a freshman, Cowart played in eight games for the Tigers, making six total tackles. A year later, the defensive end saw action in four games with six tackles, including one for loss.
This past season, though, Cowart played in just two games, registering three stops.
Citing a lack of playing time and health issues with his mother, Cowart asked for and received his release from Auburn. He explained what happened in an interview with AL.com.
“I’m happy with my decision and I know that this ain’t it for me,” Cowart said. “My main reason was my mother’s health is more important. Me being an only child, got to get back to home to her. Plus I already wasn’t playing enough and contributing to the team.
“I’ll see what options I have and what the NCAA allows me to do. This isn’t over for me and this definitely is not the end of my college career. … I can guarantee you football is not over for me. I still love the game, I love everything about football.”
He is expected to be eligible right away in the fall for Maryland, according to a report.