Redshirt freshman cornerback Kendall Sheffield is transferring from Alabama.
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“We’d like for him to be part of the program if that’s what he chooses”, Saban said.
Alabama initially blocked Smith’s transfer to Georgia but later released Smith, who subsequently received a waiver from the Southeastern Conference to play for Georgia immediately.
Sheffield, a five-star prospect in the class of 2015, became a topic of conversation early in the week after he did not attend Crimson Tide practices Monday and Tuesday. “He’s worked really hard and gives great effort in practice”.
“I think that a lot of young guys right now, they get really, really fearful of their future and it creates a lot of anxiety”, Saban said after the first practice August 4.
“He’s going to be a really good special teams player for us this year, so we’re trying to find a role for him”.
Tony Brown would be an option, but the junior is facing a multiple-game NCAA suspension.
“We have the young players we have to develop”, Saban said. We’re happy to have him back.
With Sheffield out of the picture – at least temporarily – Alabama’s defensive back depth is diminished. Also in the mix within that rotation are a trio of talented true freshmen cornerbacks in Jared Mayden, Shyheim Carter and Aaron Robinson, each of which has been working with the second team much of fall camp.
Classes at Alabama began Wednesday, but Saban said Sheffield had until August 24, the last day to add or drop a class, to rejoin the team. “School starts (today). It’s really important that our players develop the right habits, have success in school, that’s what they’re here for, and hopefully he’ll make a decision so he doesn’t get behind from that standpoint”.
Saban said that there is no cutoff date for Sheffield to return to the team. “If there’s something we can do to help resolve this from their family’s standpoints, we’re certainly available to do that”.
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Alabama travels to Arlington, Texas, to play USC on September 3.
