Armwood High School defensive end Byron Cowart talks to the media after announcing he plans to attend Auburn during national signing day,Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at Armwood High School in Seffner, Fla. (AP Photo/The Tampa Bay Times, James Borchuck) TAMPA OUT; CITRUS COUNTY OUT; PORT CHARLOTTE OUT; BROOKSVILLE HERNANDO TODAY OUT
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The Auburn Tigers celebrated, and then they waited.
The Tigers landed one of the nation's top prospects in defensive end Byron Cowart's nationally televised announcement early Wednesday morning. Nearly seven hours later, coach Gus Malzahn said Auburn had received Cowart's letter of intent after speculation and reports that he was wavering on his decision.
Rated the nation's No. 1 prospect by both Rivals and ESPN, Cowart was the biggest of several signing day prizes that pushed Auburn's recruiting class into the top 10.
"We felt very good about it all along," said Malzahn, adding that Auburn coaches had been communicating with Cowart during the day. "I know the media, uncertainty and all that, but we felt good about it the whole time."
Auburn got a recruiting boost from the addition of defensive coordinator Will Muschamp two weeks after he finished his tenure as Florida's coach even beyond Cowart. The Tigers beat the Gators on Cowart, linebacker Jeffery Holland, wide receiver Ryan Davis and offensive lineman Mike Horton on Wednesday.
Other signing day pledges include defensive back Carlton Davis, wide receiver Darius Slayton and cornerback Javarius Davis, plus others who committed a day earlier.
The Tigers were especially in search of defensive backs who can cover and pass rushers, two significant liabilities from last season's defense.
Malzahn also said there were a number of strong contenders to make impacts in their first season.
"This is a class we feel like will help us get in position to win championships," he said.d
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Top 25 Class: Yes.
Best in class: Cowart, Seffner, Fla., could instantly strengthen Auburn's pass rush opposite defensive end Carl Lawson, who missed last season with a knee injury.
Best of the rest: Jovon Robinson, RB, Georgia Military College; Kerryon Johnson, RB, Madison, Ala.; Holland, Jacksonville, Fla.
Late addition: Auburn had a bunch of them, including DE Prince Tega Wanogho Jr. The 6-foot-8 Nigerian came to the United States to play basketball and has only played football for one season.
One that got away: 5-star OT Martez Ivey signed with Florida over Auburn.
Armwood defensive end Byron Cowart, center, dons an Auburn hat after declaring that he would sign with the Tigers during a ceremony, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at Armwood High School in Seffner, Fla. Also pictured are Alcorn State commitment Noah Johnson, left, and Vanderbilt commitment Jordan Griffin. (AP Photo/The Tampa Bay Times, James Borchuck)
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Auburn coach Gus Malzahn speaks during 2015 national signing day on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 in Auburn, Ala.(AP Photo/Opelika-Auburn News, Todd J. Van Emst)
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Auburn coach Gus Malzahn speaks during 2015 national signing day on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 in Auburn, Ala.(AP Photo/Opelika-Auburn News, Todd J. Van Emst)
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Edgewood football player Prince Tega is hugged by a teacher after signing with Auburn University on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at Edgewood Academy outside Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Montgomery Advertiser, Albert Cesare) NO SALES
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St. James High School's Jalen Harris announces that he is signing to play college football at Auburn University on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at the St. James campus in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/ Montgomery Advertiser, Mickey Welsh) NO SALES
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Madison Academy's Kerryon Johnson receives Gatorade Player of the Year from Alabama award as he signs a letter of intent to attend Auburn University and play college football during national signing day, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, in Madison, Ala. (AP Photo/AL.com, Bob Gathany)
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Lakewood High School top football recruit Ryan Davis, shares a laugh with his mother Peggy Davis, after he announced he was attending Auburn University during a national signing day event, Wednesday, Fev. 4, 2015, at Lakewood High School, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/The Tampa Bay Times, Scott Keeler) TAMPA OUT; CITRUS COUNTY OUT; PORT CHARLOTTE OUT; BROOKSVILLE HERNANDO TODAY OUT
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