What once seemed like a clearcut situation has reportedly turned a bit murky.
Last month, reports surfaced that Maurice Smith had been given permission to pursue a transfer from Alabama, even as the defensive back’s family left the door open for a return to the Tide. However, sources with knowledge of the situation have told al.com that, thus far, the school has yet to grant Smith a release from his scholarship. Why it’s being denied is unclear, even as the program has granted permission to Smith to speak to specific schools about transferring in.
Regardless of the reason, Smith, who will graduate in early August, is going through the appeals process in an attempt to secure a release.
Georgia, Louisville, Miami, Oregon, Oregon State and Wisconsin have been mentioned as potential destinations if/when a release is granted.
A four-star 2013 recruit, Smith was rated as the No. 9 corner in the country and the No. 84 prospect overall. All told, Smith played in 41 games for the Tide. He started a pair of those contests.
Exiting the spring, Smith was viewed as the Tide’s starting nickel corner.