Byron Cowart, DE-DT, Maryland #9
6021, 277, 4.87
Notes: From Seffner, FL. Began college career at Auburn where he was a highly-touted recruit out of high school. Lettered as a true freshman and rotated at defensive end, playing in every game, with 6 tackles, in 2015. Among four Auburn players arrested for second-degree (which legally means for personal use only) marijuana possession in May 2016. Played in 10 games and totaled 6 tackles, 1 TFL and 1 FF in 2016. Underwent an emergency appendectomy in November 2016 and missed the final two games of the regular season. Played sparingly and was beat out by true freshman Marlon Davidson, moved to defensive tackle and left Auburn after three games in 2017. Cowart had come to coach Gus Malzahn numerous times disappointed in his playing time and was granted a release from the Tigers program. Also citing his mother’s health, he enrolled at Hillborough Community College in Tampa, FL for the fall semester of 2017 to be closer to her. Signed with Maryland in December 2017 as a junior-college recruit as part of their 2018 class.
Positives: Very good physical toolset. Can play the run and get upfield on the pass rush. Strong and well-built with very good athleticism. Good quickness and initial burst. Offers the versatility to play either end spot or inside as a defensive tackle. Has shown good work ethic since arriving at Maryland.
Negatives: Career underachiever to this point who has not put much production on tape.
Summary: Everything hinges on how he plays moving forward. Clearly has the talent but has yet to show it on the field.
