Alabama reportedly grants release to Maurice Smith, pending SEC ruling

Alabama has granted a full release to defensive back Maurice Smith, freeing him to transfer to another program as a graduate player.

The Tuscaloosa News reported that Alabama had granted the release to Smith, who graduated last Saturday.

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Smith has made it clear he would like to transfer to Georgia to play for Kirby Smart, his former defensive coordinator with the Crimson Tide, and Mel Tucker, his former position coach.

However, SEC rules prevent players who are released from transferring to other schools within the conference. Alabama coach Nick Saban has said in recent weeks he supports that rule, but said during a media conference…