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Ex-Tide DB Shawn Burgess-Becker announces transfer school, heading to Central Florida

Former Alabama safety Shawn Burgess-Becker (No. 27) celebrates with Michael Nysewander and Minkah Fitzpatrick: Marvin Gentry - USA TODAY Sports

The University of Alabama received a packaged deal in its 2015 football recruiting class with Florida natives Calvin Ridley and Shawn Burgess-Becker; however, one has decided to return to the sunshine state. Rumors concerning a possible transfer started earlier this month for Burgess-Becker and on last week, he confirmed all statements by declaring the transfer via social media.

Tuff Training Inc., a fundamental strength and conditioning program in South Florida, posted a photo on Twitter showing Burgess-Becker committed to the Central Florida Golden Knights.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound safety played in 14 games last season during the Crimson Tide’s run to a national championship. He recorded three solo tackles, with two coming on special teams.

Burgess-Becker was a four-star prospect upon enrolling at Alabama.

He joins a UCF program that was winless in 12 games a year ago. George O’Leary, who served at head coach for 12 seasons (2004-15), resigned in 2015 after the team started 0-8.

Defensively, the Golden Knights allowed 37.7 points and 464.1 yards per game.

Opponents’ completed 65.4 percent of its pass attempts for 3,179 yards with 31 touchdowns to four interceptions. Burgess-Becker will be a part of a rebuilding team under a new coach, but he won’t be able to play this fall because of the transfer rule.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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