Continued kudos, Alabama.
Earlier this month, Brandon Kennedy opted to leave Alabama as a graduate transfer. The offensive lineman, as it turns out, is interested in a transfer to Alabama rivals Auburn and Tennessee; as has been the case in the past -- or not -- Kennedy has been barred by UA from transferring to any other school in the conference despite the fact that he’s a graduate transfer.
Kennedy, a graduate transfer, appealed the initial decision that blocked him from an intra-conference move. In a stunning turn of events, that initial appeal has been denied by the university.
Al.com writes that "[t]he next step for Kennedy, who graduated in December, is an in-person hearing with Alabama’s appeal board.” As noted by the website, Kennedy graduated from the university in December, which makes him a graduate transfer.
When that in-person hearing in front of Alabama’s appeals board will take place for the student-athlete who has already graduated is unclear.
Kennedy, prior to becoming a graduate transfer, served as the Crimson’s Tide backup center in 2017, his redshirt sophomore season. After graduating in December, Kennedy exited spring practice this year as the defending national champion’s likely No. 2 center.
As a graduate transfer, Kennedy would have a two-year eligibility clock that begins immediately with the 2018 season even if he stays in the FBS.
On a completely related note...
Since last summer, at least two players have transferred within the SEC. In June of 2017, running back David Williams moved from South Carolina to Arkansas. Earlier this month, defensive back Nick Harvey left Texas A&M and chose South Carolina over, among others, Auburn and Tennessee.
Both Williams and Harvey left their former schools as graduate transfers.
Kudos, Alabama. Still.