Auburn defensive lineman Byron Cowart is leaving the program and requested a release to transfer, according to multiple reports. Recruiting expert Derek Tyson had the report first.

Cowart was the former No. 3 overall prospect and the nation’s No. 1 DE in the 2015 recruiting class, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings. Some recruiting services had Cowart rated as the nation’s No. 1 overall player.

However, Cowart’s career at Auburn just never took off. He had immediate trouble adjusting at defensive end, and he struggled to break into the rotation. He was moved to defensive tackle in 2017 to help jumpstart his career, but that doesn’t appear to have helped either.

Auburn defensive line coach Rodney Garner expounded on the position change this fall.

“He’s just got to keep improving,” Garner said, via AL.com. “He moved to a new position, which is totally Greek. He’s at defensive tackle, which that’s a different position. So he has to learn the techniques and fundamentals that master those where he can be successful at that position.”

Cowart signed with Auburn when Will Muschamp was the defensive coordinator.

In two full seasons at Auburn, it’s safe to say that Cowart underwhelmed. He has only recorded three tackles so far this season.