Alabama senior defensive back Maurice Smith has been granted his release and is weighing a transfer. This according to an e-mail sent to media outlets from the Smith family on Friday evening.

In his first three years with the Crimson Tide, Smith saw action in 41 games as a reserve defensive back and special teamer. Looking ahead to the 2016 season, Smith projected as a top candidate at the star position in the Crimson Tide's nickel package while also providing depth at both safety and cornerback.

A member of Alabama's 2013 recruiting class, Smith completed his undergraduate degree work in three years and would be immediately eligible at another school should he pursue a transfer. According to the e-mail, Smith has been granted his release from UA.

Here are some excerpts from the press release BamaOnLine.com received just moments ago.

"Maurice Smith II (University of Alabama DB) has chosen to entertain options for his senior season of college football with permission granted by University of Alabama. In accordance with NCAA bylaw 13.1.1.3, any institution can speak with Maurice Smith regarding his interest in possibly transferring and participating in Football at their institution. Maurice's successful completion of his undergraduate studies (in 3 years) has positioned him with the option to either complete his college football career at Alabama, or exercise his graduate-transfer option to play his true Senior season at another institution."

"Maurice's family is proud of their son's success, his maturity, growth, and achievements, and his ability to endure and overcome so much. He has been a great example to his younger brother, Ainias and demonstrated true character in many difficult situations. His endurance and perseverance have been demonstrated through the intensity and grind of being a UA Christian student-athlete, an SEC football player, a leader and mentor, and overcoming the loss of one of his closest friends and freshman roommate, Altee Tenpenny. Most importantly is the completion of Maurice's undergraduate studies and his now pursuit of the next set of goals to be accomplished. Whether those goals are accomplished at UA or another institution, remains to be decided. Whatever the decision, it will be one which provides the productivity Maurice is seeking to achieve his future goals and dreams."