SEC clears path for Smith’s transfer from Alabama to Georgia

Alabama?has cleared the way for defensive back Maurice Smith to transfer within the SEC, with the school granting him a full release, ?his mother confirmed to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.? Smith would have to receive a waiver from the SEC if he wants to transfer within the conference, which is key considering his top choice is reportedly Georgia. He is hoping to join Georgia’s team and be eligible to play immediately.

On Wednesday, Alabama coach Nick Saban granted Smith a full release from his scholarship to transfer to any school, after initially refusing to allow him to transfer to SEC schools. He’s seen as a candidate to be a starter or full-time contributor with the Bulldogs. At that point, the only thing blocking his transfer to Georgia was approval by the SEC, which he got Friday afternoon.

Those who watched Alabama previous year describe Smith as a versatile player, capable of playing all five spots.

SEC bylaws typically require that a graduate transfer have two years of eligibility to transfer to an SEC school and also require a player transferring from one SEC school to another sit out a year.

Smith played three years for Alabama and graduated on Saturday. Smart is Georgia’s new coach and Tucker is the defensive coordinator.

“We are still waiting on a response from the SEC”, Smiths’ father, also named Maurice, said in a text.

Maurice Smith is headed to Georgia.

“The standard for granting waivers has been clear and compelling evidence that there is reason for allowing an exception to SEC rules”, Sankey said.

The SEC did not comment but issued a statement about the waiver process to Al.com.

“An institution has an obligation to provide opportunities for graduate student-athletes to earn a graduate degree”.

The conditions of Smith’s waiver are that he must complete nine hours of course work in the fall semester in order to play in 2016, if he does not then he will be ruled ineligible for post-season play. NCAA rules allow graduate students to transfer without sitting out a season. The current rule places our coaches and administrators in untenable situations so it is time for us to address graduate transfer rules.

Smith had 15 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 15 games as a nickelback for the eventual 2015 national champions. He ended spring football in Alabama’s starting secondary rotation.