In a lengthy interview with AL.com, elite defensive end Byron Cowart shed light on his wild recruitment, his decision to sign with Auburn over Florida, his future in football and beyond.
The five-star prospect from Seffner, Florida, stands at 6-foot-4, 278 pounds and is considered the centerpiece of Auburn's 2015 recruiting class. He is the top overall player in the country according to Rivals and ESPN, and thus figures to play a dominant role in Will Muschamp's new defensive scheme.
Part 2 of our Q&A with Cowart can be found below. If you missed Part 1, you can read it here.
AL.com: How have things been going since National Signing Day?
Byron Cowart: "Good. I'm trying to finish strong and get up there. I've been running a lot and studying a lot, play-wise. The biggest thing for me right now is the mental side and learning the playbook. The strength and stuff will come. We're going to hit the weight room and get strong."
How much of Muschamp's playbook have you seen so far?
BC: "During the spring they were sending me every installment they did. It's similar to what I did at the Under Armour (All-America) Game. I rarely have to cross the tackle space, it's more one-on-one. That's what I like because nine times out of 10 I'm going to beat the guy in front of me. With Coach Muschamp and Coach Lance Thompson, I'm just ready to learn from those guys. They'll only make me better. I like where it's going with the scheme."
Is there anything you want to accomplish before you get to campus?
BC: "I really just want to be in shape when I get there. Academically, I'm on point with my grades and stuff."
You attended Auburn's A-Day last month, but how eager are you to begin practicing with the team?
BC: "I really want to be patient and watch a lot of film, but I just have to be in shape and learn the playbook and be coachable and our natural instincts will kick in to compete. I'm not going to go out there and bull rush, I just want to adjust to the game speed. I'm already thinking about what I need to do, I need to go 100 miles per hour just like at the Under Armour practices because I'm going against the best. So I'm tying to stay focused and humble."
How much do you value the education you'll be receiving at Auburn?
BC: "I already have a three-year plan. I'm getting my degree in three years. I get there May 24, classes start May 26. I'm taking summer classes, about nine or 10 hours. They told me it was going to be a challenge, but college is all about time management. I think it's kind of easier than high school, especially being a student-athlete, because there are so many tutors to help you."
Your plan is to major in journalism. What do you hope to do with the degree?
BC: "I want to be a sports analyst. Lavar Arrington on the NFL Network, I talk to him a lot. I have to go through he Auburn athletics department and make sure, but I'm supposed to be interning with him eventually. I want to try to be good enough to where I can get in touch with guys like Charles Barkley.
"I just want to carry myself well, on and off the field, so that nothing intervenes with what I want to do. I want people to think, 'This guy's a great athlete. He's a great person and knows what he's talking about so let's get him on the show.'"
Cowart hopes to add his name to Auburn's list of Heisman Trophy winners. (File)
Have you set any other personal goals for the future?
BC: "I want to be an academic All-American and freshman All-American. It's the craziest goal, but I know it's reachable. Coming into high school I wanted to be the No. 1 player in nation and a lot of kids were laughing.
"There are a lot of great DEs, but I want to be in the running for the Heisman. I just have to work hard enough. It's a stretch... but the way my mind is set and the coaches I have around me, the sky's the limit for me. My goals are out there. We'll see in a couple years."
How would you describe your style of play?
BC: "I'm the hype man and can be hyped all game and still lead by example. I might not always get the sack, but I will make the quarterback scramble. That's what I want to show the world — that my motor's not going to stop.
"I'm a natural leader -- if the line doesn't do its job, we're going to lose because everything starts breaking down. We set the tone. I'm just ready to get there, get established, earn respect and get more involved to see what we can put together."
What's Auburn's plan for your first season?
BC: "I know they're ready for (the freshmen) to get up there. The d-tackles and ends, we're a group. We're one unit. The wheels shouldn't stop moving or slow down, it should be the same pace. They're telling me I can be my own setback — if I don't earn it, I won't get it. I really want and need to be on the field, but if Byron Cowart doesn't produce, then he won't get to play."
How good do you think Auburn's defense can be in the next few years?
BC: "Muschamp has always been known for having top defenses. It might be kind of bold, but I think we'll have the No. 1 defense if everybody can get on the same page. The freshman cornerback (Tim Irvin) is starting to get comfortable with the way he plays and we have more guys coming in. So me and Jeff (Holland), once we get comfortable with the defense, we just have to adjust to the speed. Once we get the three or four pieces we need, I think we can do some damage. That's the mentality I bring."
http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2015/05/top_incoming_auburn_freshman_b.html
The five-star prospect from Seffner, Florida, stands at 6-foot-4, 278 pounds and is considered the centerpiece of Auburn's 2015 recruiting class. He is the top overall player in the country according to Rivals and ESPN, and thus figures to play a dominant role in Will Muschamp's new defensive scheme.
Part 2 of our Q&A with Cowart can be found below. If you missed Part 1, you can read it here.
AL.com: How have things been going since National Signing Day?
Byron Cowart: "Good. I'm trying to finish strong and get up there. I've been running a lot and studying a lot, play-wise. The biggest thing for me right now is the mental side and learning the playbook. The strength and stuff will come. We're going to hit the weight room and get strong."
How much of Muschamp's playbook have you seen so far?
BC: "During the spring they were sending me every installment they did. It's similar to what I did at the Under Armour (All-America) Game. I rarely have to cross the tackle space, it's more one-on-one. That's what I like because nine times out of 10 I'm going to beat the guy in front of me. With Coach Muschamp and Coach Lance Thompson, I'm just ready to learn from those guys. They'll only make me better. I like where it's going with the scheme."
Is there anything you want to accomplish before you get to campus?
BC: "I really just want to be in shape when I get there. Academically, I'm on point with my grades and stuff."
You attended Auburn's A-Day last month, but how eager are you to begin practicing with the team?
BC: "I really want to be patient and watch a lot of film, but I just have to be in shape and learn the playbook and be coachable and our natural instincts will kick in to compete. I'm not going to go out there and bull rush, I just want to adjust to the game speed. I'm already thinking about what I need to do, I need to go 100 miles per hour just like at the Under Armour practices because I'm going against the best. So I'm tying to stay focused and humble."
How much do you value the education you'll be receiving at Auburn?
BC: "I already have a three-year plan. I'm getting my degree in three years. I get there May 24, classes start May 26. I'm taking summer classes, about nine or 10 hours. They told me it was going to be a challenge, but college is all about time management. I think it's kind of easier than high school, especially being a student-athlete, because there are so many tutors to help you."
Your plan is to major in journalism. What do you hope to do with the degree?
BC: "I want to be a sports analyst. Lavar Arrington on the NFL Network, I talk to him a lot. I have to go through he Auburn athletics department and make sure, but I'm supposed to be interning with him eventually. I want to try to be good enough to where I can get in touch with guys like Charles Barkley.
"I just want to carry myself well, on and off the field, so that nothing intervenes with what I want to do. I want people to think, 'This guy's a great athlete. He's a great person and knows what he's talking about so let's get him on the show.'"
Cowart hopes to add his name to Auburn's list of Heisman Trophy winners. (File) Have you set any other personal goals for the future?
BC: "I want to be an academic All-American and freshman All-American. It's the craziest goal, but I know it's reachable. Coming into high school I wanted to be the No. 1 player in nation and a lot of kids were laughing.
"There are a lot of great DEs, but I want to be in the running for the Heisman. I just have to work hard enough. It's a stretch... but the way my mind is set and the coaches I have around me, the sky's the limit for me. My goals are out there. We'll see in a couple years."
How would you describe your style of play?
BC: "I'm the hype man and can be hyped all game and still lead by example. I might not always get the sack, but I will make the quarterback scramble. That's what I want to show the world — that my motor's not going to stop.
"I'm a natural leader -- if the line doesn't do its job, we're going to lose because everything starts breaking down. We set the tone. I'm just ready to get there, get established, earn respect and get more involved to see what we can put together."
What's Auburn's plan for your first season?
BC: "I know they're ready for (the freshmen) to get up there. The d-tackles and ends, we're a group. We're one unit. The wheels shouldn't stop moving or slow down, it should be the same pace. They're telling me I can be my own setback — if I don't earn it, I won't get it. I really want and need to be on the field, but if Byron Cowart doesn't produce, then he won't get to play."
How good do you think Auburn's defense can be in the next few years?
BC: "Muschamp has always been known for having top defenses. It might be kind of bold, but I think we'll have the No. 1 defense if everybody can get on the same page. The freshman cornerback (Tim Irvin) is starting to get comfortable with the way he plays and we have more guys coming in. So me and Jeff (Holland), once we get comfortable with the defense, we just have to adjust to the speed. Once we get the three or four pieces we need, I think we can do some damage. That's the mentality I bring."
http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2015/05/top_incoming_auburn_freshman_b.html
