A former Alabama defensive back will be able to play right away for his new school.

Kyriq McDonald, who transferred to Cincinnati, has been granted a waiver for immediate eligibility by the NCAA, it was announced Thursday.

McDonald left the Crimson Tide in February.

The Madison native was a contributor on special teams and a backup in the secondary as a redshirt freshman at Alabama last season. The former three-star recruit was twice recognized as one of Alabama’s special teams players of the week.

Matt Zenitz is an Alabama and Auburn reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mzenitz.