A veteran defensive back is transferring out of Alabama's program.

Senior Maurice Smith, who was in the mix to be the Tide's starting nickel back, is leaving and will join another program as a graduate transfer, a source told AL.com.

The Sugar Land, Texas native was the first-team nickel back during Alabama's spring game in April, helping the first-team defense hold the Tide's first-team offense to just three points.

While Smith only started two games with Alabama, he was a contributor as early as his true freshman season in 2013 and was a leading contender to be the Tide's nickel back last year before the emergence of then-freshman Minkah Fitzpatrick during fall camp.

Smith ended up playing mostly on special teams last season and was twice one of Alabama's special teams players of the week.

Smith is the second defensive back the Tide has lost in recent weeks.

Sophomore safety Shawn Burgess-Becker decided to transfer earlier this month.