Alabama senior defensive back Maurice Smith, who has played in 40 games during his Crimson Tide career, is leaving the program and plans to play elsewhere as a graduate transfer.
AL.com was the first to report Smith's departure.
The 6-foot, 195-pounder from Sugar Land, Texas, had 38 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble during his time in Tuscaloosa. Seven of his 15 tackles last season occurred on special teams.
Smith made two starts in his career, including his first as a freshman in 2013 against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, when he had three tackles in the 49-0 win over the Mocs. He was vying at the start of last season to become Alabama's starting nickel back but was beaten out in August by touted freshman Minkah Fitzpatrick.
ESPN and Scout.com rated Smith among the top 100 prospects in the 2013 signing class, with Scout.com ranking him the No. 5 cornerback nationally.
Earlier this month, Alabama sophomore defensive back Shawn Burgess-Becker announced he was transferring. Burgess-Becker played in six games last season, totaling three tackles.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.