So far in his college career, Auburn defensive lineman Byron Cowart has been a victim of his incredibly lofty recruiting ranking. The immediate expectations placed upon him may seem unfair but are to be expected when you are not only a five-star prospect but rated as the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit — as ESPN rated Cowart in the 2015 recruiting cycle.

Two seasons into his college career, Cowart has racked up a combined 12 tackles and is still searching for his first sack. Not exactly the impact Auburn fans had in mind when the school landed him. Now lining up at defensive tackle for the Tigers this spring, the defense is hoping Cowart can finally reach his potential playing a new position.

While speaking to the media Wednesday, fellow defensive lineman Marlon Davidson spoke about the progression Cowart has made this offseason in his new role.

“A different Byron, that’s all I can say,” Davidson said. “He’s a different Byron. Byron has come a long way, and every day, he has taken a step forward.

“He’s got that swag about him now. He looking great.”

When asked what has been the difference of moving inside and playing tackle, Davidson alluded to how well Cowart is handling the learning curve of taking on a new position this spring.

“Playing on the end is a transition,” Davidson said. “How to take on blocks, how to do this, learning plays, it’s just different man, there’s nothing to know that no player can’t achieve.”

If Davidson is right and Auburn is getting a “different Byron” this season, replacing the talent lost up front for the Tigers this offseason should become significantly easier heading into the fall.

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