Cowart set on UA announcement
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SEFFNER, Fla. -- Growing up, Seffner (Fla.) Armwood five-star defensive end Byron Cowart dreamed of being a part of the Under Armour All-American game. On Tuesday, the nation's No. 1 player in the 2015 class had his dream come to reality as he was presented his jersey to this January's game.
"I watched it on TV growing up as a kid and to actually be in it this year is going to mean a lot," Cowart said. "When I think of the Under Armour All-American game, I think of (Ole Miss defensive end) Robert Nkemdiche and his swag and all the gear they give you and him playing in it and making big plays."
One of the big reason's the Rivals100 defender wanted to play in this particular game so badly was his former Armwood teammate Leon McQuay III. The former five-star also made his commitment at the game, which was a big inspiration for Cowart to look to end his recruiting process at the game this January as well.
"It's big to follow in Leon's footsteps because I think that he did everything the right way," Cowart said. "He told me things would be stressful and all that, but it would be worth it at the end. I can get to say I got to play in the Under Armour All-American game and committed there on TV and just do things the right way. It's good to keep the tradition going with our school and everything."
On the recruiting trail, the 6-foot-3, 260-pounder has been considered a long-time lean to Florida. With its season going through up's and down's on the field, Cowart has been waiting to see how thing play out in Gainesville. However, he did admit the job security of head coach Will Muschamp will play little factor in his interest there.
"He knows me and knows I am not the guy that will go to a school for a coach," Cowart said of Muschamp. "If he is there, that would be great and if he isn't, I don't know how much that would affect me. My biggest thing is the defensive line coach [Brad] Lawing and if he will be there, because we talk a lot. Let's say I go to Florida and they still aren't doing good. Even if that happens, you still couldn't tell me that I wouldn't go in the first round or at least have a chance. Of course you want to win, but those scouts come and look at you individually and what you can do to help a team. Of course I want to win, but if I sit down and make a mature decision, I know I am making a pick for my future and not just on football."
Alabama has come on strong for the five-star defender as well. He took an official visit to Tuscaloosa last month for the matchup against Texas A&M and is still raving now about what he saw.
"It was consistent," said Cowart of the Alabama visit. "The coaching staff has stability and they consistently produce guys. I know I could redshirt there and I don't mind that if that is what is best, but they told me they aren't recruiting me to redshirt. They told me if I come in and put in the work, that I could play as a true freshman at Alabama."
Going forward, Cowart is planning to visit Florida, Oregon, and Florida State this month, but did note a small possible change to his visit plans.
"It has been kind of shook up a little bit," said Cowart of future visits. "I should be going to Alabama on the 15th (for an unofficial visit) when they play Mississippi State. It kind of shook up that Florida visit that was going to be that weekend, but we will just see. I go to Florida all the time and I just don't know if I am going to take an official there. I know they want to treat me and all that stuff, but they don't have to do all that stuff."
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