Alabama transfer Maurice Smith already practicing with Georgia
It didn’t take long for Maurice Smith to get going with his new team.
Smith, who was cleared to transfer from Alabama to Georgia on Friday after a hard-fought battle with the SEC and Nick Saban, wasted no time in leaving Tuscaloosa for greener pastures in Athens. The program’s newest addition, who now dons No. 2 instead of No. 21, began practicing with the Bulldogs on Saturday:
Maurice Smith (2) working with DBs at his first UGA practice. pic.twitter.com/lFe3RUTwsR
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) August 13, 2016
Maurice Smith is practicing with UGA today pic.twitter.com/phCcNsgjzv
— Radi Nabulsi (@RadiNabulsi) August 13, 2016
Cleared to transfer yesterday, Maurice Smith joined the Bulldogs today. Here is video pic.twitter.com/g84UOvJBj6
— Radi Nabulsi (@RadiNabulsi) August 13, 2016
Here’s what Seth Emerson of DawgNation.com wrote about Georgia’s shiny new toy on defense:
Smith’s mother said the plan is definitely for him to play in 2016, though the SEC release on Friday alluded to him being eligible to play at Georgia in 2016 or 2017. It’s always possible that because of the late date Smith could opt to redshirt this season. But so far all indications have been for him playing right away, especially with his familiarity with Georgia’s coaches.
The next question is where Smith plays in the secondary. If he slides in at nickel back, where sophomore Rico McGraw has been first team, then McGraw could move to safety, either as a backup or a replacement for senior Quincy Mauger. Or Smith could compete with sophomore Juwuan Briscoe or junior Malkom Parrish for one of the starting cornerback spots.
Georgia started fall camp on Aug. 1.