Could Alabama have another Maurice Smith situation on its hands?
Nick Saban would hope not, however, offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy was denied his initial appeal to transfer to another Southeastern Conference school – according to a report from AL.com’s Matt Zenitz.
A December 2017 graduate, Kennedy desires to transfer to either Tennessee or Auburn but via the Southeastern Conference graduate transfer rule he is in a tough spot. Volunteers’ first-year head coach Jeremy Pruitt would not mind seeing Kennedy in Knoxville (Tenn.) and he talked about the importance of grad transfers last week on WNML Sports Radio from Vols Nation.
“The big thing when it comes to grad transfers is they have shown the maturity to do what it takes to get their degree,” Pruitt said. “Obviously, I don’t think they would be leaving a situation where they could continue to have more success. If they have earned their degree, in my opinion they have earned the right to choose where they want to go.”
Before choosing to leave Alabama, Kennedy was a part of the program’s 2015 class.
Thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/wnK03F2FB2
— Brandon Kennedy (@56nights_crazy) May 21, 2018
He was the backup center behind Ross Pierschbacher and played in three games, until a season-ending injury caused for him to receive a medical redshirt. After redshirting initially in 2015, the Wetumpka native still has three years of eligibility remaining. Kennedy did get a pair of SEC championship rings and two College Football Playoff national title rings during his tenure.
Going back to the article from AL.com, the next move for the redshirt sophomore would be an in-person hearing with Alabama’s appeal board. Hopefully, things work out for him as he continues his collegiate career in pursuit of trying to create a strong NFL Draft stock.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
