Just over a week after officially entering the NCAA transfer portal, former Alabama defensive back Eddie Smith has already found a new home.

Instead of playing for Nick Saban next season, Smith will play for Bret Bielema. That’s because Smith has announced his decision to transfer to Illinois, where Bielema was recently named as head coach.

Smith was on the roster at Alabama for three seasons but never registered any stats for the Crimson Tide.

Here is his complete bio listed on the Alabama team site:

Redshirt Sophomore (2020)

Gained valuable experience in his first two seasons … provides UA with a versatile defender that can play multiple positions in the secondary. Mississippi State: Saw time against the Bulldogs. Kentucky: Earned minutes in the matchup with the Wildcats.

Sophomore (2019)

Saw time in one game as a sophomore … redshirted at season’s end. New Mexico State: Played against the Aggies but did not collect any stats.

Freshman (2018)

Built a role on special teams for UA … played in six games for the Tide … saw his first career action against Louisiana and followed with playing time against Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, The Citadel and Oklahoma.
High School and Personal Data