Byron Cowart commits to Auburn

— -- Defensive end Byron Cowart, the No. 1 player in the ESPN 300, announced his commitment to the  Auburn Tigers on Wednesday morning.

The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Cowart, from Seffner (Fla.) Armwood, chose the Tigers over the  Florida Gators as he announced his decision live on ESPNU.

The five-star defensive lineman should help an Auburn unit that tied for 92nd in the FBS with 21 sacks this past season. The Tigers' defense also ranked in the bottom five in the SEC in points per game, total yards allowed, passing yards allowed and rushing yards allowed.

Auburn's lackluster effort on defense last season led to the dismissal of defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson and the hiring of former Florida head coach Will Muschamp. While at Florida, Muschamp built a strong relationship with several key recruits, including Cowart.

Cowart, who registered 11 sacks and 21 tackles for loss as a senior, took an official visit to Auburn the weekend of Jan. 16 followed by an unofficial visit to Florida the following week.

In the end, it was Cowart's strong relationship with Muschamp that ultimately led to his decision.

With added bulk, Cowart's versatility could allow him to play defensive end or tackle at Auburn.

"Cowart is an athletic, physical and -- at times -- very explosive defender who should enhance his stock depending on physical development and improved awareness skills," his scouting report reads. "A player with a lot of physical tools to develop. Could be a defensive tackle candidate as well."

Cowart is the first player from Florida ever ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the ESPN 300 and the first No. 1 overall prospect Auburn has signed since ESPN began keeping player rankings in 2006.