Nation's top player Byron Cowart picks Auburn

In a race that came down to the final minutes, five-star defensive end Byron Cowart has chosen the Auburn Tigers.

The crown jewel of Gus Malzahn’s third signing class on the Plains, Cowart made his decision Wednesday on ESPNU, perhaps the first big-time domino to fall in what could be a memorable National Signing Day at Auburn.

Boom! #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/VF6M9ykrvh

— Auburn Tigers (@AuburnTigers) February 4, 2015

Cowart provides Will Muschamp’s defense with instant pass rushing ability as an athlete off the edge with tremendous ability.

Before his announcement, the Seffner, Fla. native was reportedly wavering on his decision with two signed letters of intent:

Walking up to Armwood and I just got a call that Byron Cowart has signed both LOI’s and is torn. This will be fun #NSD2015

— Josh Newberg (@joshnewberg247) February 4, 2015