With Maurice Smith’s long-winded journey to Athens finally over, the senior graduate transfer defensive back participated in his first practice with Georgia Saturday.

Following his first official day in a Bulldog uniform, Smith took to Instagram to thank Alabama and head coach Nick Saban for the last three years and announced why he wanted to wear the No. 2 jersey for Georgia (it stands for a second chance):

Blessed In So Many Ways! Words Aren’t Able To Express How Much GOD Has Helped Me Grow These Past Months! I Want To Thank The University Of Alabama And All That They Have Helped Me Accomplish In The Last Three Years! I Have Nothing But Love For Coach Saban, His Staff, And The Wonderful Fans In Tuscaloosa! Despite Me Leaving To Become A Dawg, I Will Always Have Three Things No One Can Take Away From Me. And That Is My Degree, The Friendships And Brotherhood I Have Made In Ttown, And My National Championship! I Hope That GOD Has Used Me To Show That Anything Is Possible And To Never Give Up On What You Believe Is Right! No Man Can Stand In The Way Of What GOD Has Planned For You! My Family Went All Out For Me And I Will Go All Out For Them! I Love All Of My Bama Bros And They Know That Will Never Change! I Am Blessed For The Opportunity The Coaches And Staff At The University Of Georgia Have Given Me And I Am Blessed To Call Myself A Dawg! #GoDawgs ?? #SmithRoyalty ? (The 2 Stands For A 2nd Chance)

A photo posted by Maurice Smith II (@mosmithii) on

Whatever you may think of the waiver exemption handed out to Smith allowing him to transfer within the conference, you have to hand it to him for showing such class and even giving his former head coach some love following a difficult couple of months.

It would appear Georgia landed a wise and experienced player in Smith and it’s already showing off the field.