Former No. 1 recruit Byron Cowart transfers to Maryland

Nick Bromberg
·College football and motorsports writer
Cowart (R) was the top recruit in the class of 2015 according to Rivals. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Cowart (R) was the top recruit in the class of 2015 according to Rivals. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Maryland’s early signing period got started with a commitment from the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2015.

The Terrapins announced the addition of former Auburn defensive end Byron Cowart on Wednesday, the first day of college football’s early signing period. The early signing period, approved earlier this year, is making its maiden voyage in 2017.

Cowart signed with Auburn out of high school in 2015. But the Florida native transferred in September, citing his mother’s health and the desire to be closer to her. Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said Cowart was unhappy with his lack of playing time.

He transferred to a junior college in Florida after playing in three games for the Tigers in 2017.

Maryland ranked near the bottom of college football with six sacks in 2016. Cowart is immediately eligible to play in 2018 and is part of a recruiting class that, so far, is ranked No. 17 in the country according to Rivals.

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Nick Bromberg is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!