What’s the next move for Maurice Smith?
This has become the most highly-anticipated question in the offseason, edging out the thought of who will win the quarterback job in the fall and will rain ever bring a cool front to the state.
Smith, who graduates from the University of Alabama in a few days, was contemplating transfer options earlier this summer. He narrowed his list down to three schools, including one in the Southeastern Conference. The 6-foot, 195-pound defensive back had his mind locked on Miami (Fla.) for a moment, but it is now Georgia that has made the biggest impression on the Texas native.
Georgia’s coaching staff is the primary reason for it being Smith’s new choice.
Head coach Kirby Smart and defensive backs coach Mel Tucker were both on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama in 2015. Smart, who served as a defensive assistant for nine years (2007-15), was part of the recruiting staff that got Smith to sign in the Crimson Tide’s vaunted 2013 class.
According to ESPN staff writer Alex Scarbrough, Samyra Smith (mother of Maurice Smith) said the university is resisting any request to release her son.
“He wants to go to Georgia. Period,” Smith told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and ESPN.
She continued with: “That’s where we are. In [Saban’s] mind, the best decision is for him to stay here. And he doesn’t think anything other than that is best for the kid.”
With Tony Brown having a four-game suspension (NCAA) and Shawn Burgess-Becker now at Central Florida, one can understand why Saban would be hesitant in releasing Smith from UA.
The senior is coming off a national championship year, and one in which he was most productive.
He had 15 tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, a pass breakup and a forced fumble in 15 games, while being a stalwart on special teams in 38 career games. Smith brings range and versatility to the table as a true cornerback, nickelback and dime back.
Saban gave wide receiver Chris Black the green light to transfer to a different SEC program (Missouri); however, the difference between Black and Smith is though Black showed flashes of potential, he was injured for much of his career. Saban craves production and Smith was providing it.
Though he is not listed on the Tide’s roster, various reports have circled about Smith training with Alabama players. Should the block of Georgia open Miami as Smith’s new launching spot?
Possibilities of this answer will be interesting. Smith already has a connection with Hurricanes’ defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and Miami knows its needs another true outside corner.
Fall camp begins Thursday for Saban and company. A move needs to come soon for Smith.
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.
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