AP Source: Alabama grants Smith release to transfer

Published Aug. 10, 2016 9:56 p.m. ET

foxsports

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) A person with knowledge of the decision says Alabama has cleared the way for defensive back Maurice Smith to transfer within the Southeastern Conference.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because they weren't authorized to release the information, said Alabama has granted Smith's release. The Tuscaloosa News first reported the decision.

The other school will have to apply for a waiver from the SEC. Smith has been trying to follow former Alabama assistants Kirby Smart and Mel Tucker to Georgia but was blocked from moving to another SEC school.

A statement from the SEC says the league doesn't comment on such waiver requests but they are reviewed on a case by case basis.

Smith was a first-team nickel back for the Tide during the spring.