Nation's No. 8 recruit Cowart commits to Auburn over Florida

Published Feb. 4, 2015 11:24 a.m. ET

foxsports

Five star recruit Byron Cowart has committed to Auburn.

The 6-4, 265-pound defensive end from Armwood (Fla.) High School chose the Tigers over Florida. He made the announcement Wednesday on ESPNU.

Cowart is ranked the No. 8 recruit nationally by Scout.com. He seemed destined for Florida until the Gators fired coach Will Muschamp. When Muschamp landed the defensive coordinator job at Auburn, Cowart turned his attention to the Tigers.

Former Florida star defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. also played a role in Cowart’s decision. Cowart said he relied on the NFL-bound Fowler for inside advice on Muschamp’s coaching style.

Cowart did take an official visit to Gainesville to meet with new coach Jim McElwain, but he cut his visit short. He cited the uncertainty of the Gators’ new staff as a major reason why he chose Auburn over Florida.

The Tigers gain a much-needed pass rushing prospect. Cowart registered 11 sacks and 21 tackles for loss as a senior and earned MVP honors at the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 2.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.