Bryon Cowart has been granted his release from the Auburn football program, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed.

Cowart's request was "in the process" and up to coach Gus Malzahn as 7:45 a.m. Tuesday and has since been granted, sources said.

Malzahn said Cowart came to him "numerous times" since the season began because he was "disappointed" with his playing time.

"(Monday) he came to me and said he wants to quit and pursue other opportunities," Malzahn said. "So we wish him nothing but the best moving forward."

Cowart told AL.com he is free to transfer anywhere outside the SEC and anywhere on Auburn's 2018 schedule, which also include Washington, Southern Miss, Liberty and Alabama State.

The junior defensive lineman has three tackles with .5 for loss this season. The former No. 1 recruit in the country in 2015, Cowart has 15 tackles with 1.5 for loss in 26 games in his college career.

Former ESPN recruiting analyst Derek Tyson, first reported Cowart was leaving the program

Last month, defensive line coach Rodney Garner said Cowart was still learning aspects of playing defensive tackle, where he moved to in the spring after being at end for his first two seasons.

"He has to learn the techniques and fundamentals (and) master those where he can be successful at that position," Garner said in August.

Cowart arrived at Auburn in 2015 with lofty personal goals and tremendous hype stemming from his recruitment, which culminated with a bizarre delay in his National Letter of Intent being faxed to Auburn hours after signing it on National Signing Day.

On April 30, 2016, Cowart was among four players arrested for possession of marijuana. None missed playing time and he was later granted youthful offender status.

Fellow junior Ryan Davis, a native of St. Petersburg, Fla., is one of Cowart's close friends on the team and wished him well.

"I'm real close (with Cowart)," Davis said. "Me and him came in together, kind of played some high school stuff together. Byron had to do what was best for him and his family, so I just hope nothing but the best for him moving forward."