Reports: Alabama DB Maurice Smith to explore grad transfer
Alabama may lose another defensive back.
According to multiple reports, Crimson Tide senior Maurice Smith has been granted his release from the program and will pursue a graduate transfer. Al.com is reporting that Smith will leave Tuscaloosa. However, according to BamaOnline.com, the Smith family said in an email that Smith could potentially return to the Tide.
“Maurice’s successful completion of his undergraduate studies (in 3 years) has positioned him with the option to either complete his college football career at Alabama, or exercise his graduate-transfer option to play his true senior season at another institution,” the email said.
The email confirmed that Smith has been granted his release by Alabama.
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Smith worked with the first-team defense at nickel back throughout the spring after playing mostly special teams in 2015. Smith was slated to play the nickel last season before five-star freshman Minkah Fitzpatrick worked his way into the starting lineup.
Overall, Smith has appeared in 41 games in three seasons for Alabama, including two starts. He has 38 tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and five passes defended in his career.
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If he leaves, Smith will be the second Alabama defensive back to do so in recent weeks. Shawn Burgess-Becker, a sophomore safety, made the decision to leave the program earlier this month.
For more Alabama news, visit TideSports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
