![Former Alabama Defensive Back Finds New School](http://townsquare.media/site/531/files/2021/01/eddiesmith-e1611259703399.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Former Alabama Defensive Back Finds New School
Former Alabama Crimson Tide safety Eddie Smith has officially decided where he will continue his college football career.
The University of Illinois Fightin’ Illini will be Smith’s next destination, he announced via twitter earlier Thursday. Smith announced his intention to transfer from Alabama back on January 13th.
The Slidell, Louisiana native will get a chance to play under former Arkansas Razorbacks coach Brett Beliema, who was recently hired as the head coach of the Illini.
Coming out of high school as a 3-star recruit, Smith was considered the 27th best cornerback prospect in the country. Smith was a part of a stacked Alabama 2018 recruiting class that featured the signing of five defensive backs, including standouts like Patrick Surtain II, Saivion Smith, and Josh Jobe.
During his three years at Alabama, Smith saw limited playing action serving mostly in a backup role. Most recently, he saw playing time in the national championship game against Ohio State with the targeting ejection of Jordan Battle, but did not record any stats.
Smith joins former teammates like kicker Joseph Bulovas, linebacker Kevin Harris, and defensive lineman Ishmael Sopsher as names that have transferred from Tuscaloosa during the 2020-2021 season.
![Catfish 100.1 logo](https://townsquare.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/WTBCAM.png?w=100)
2021 Alabama Crimson Tide Recruiting Class Signees
More From Catfish 100.1
![The State Of Alabama Partnering With Walmart To Distribute Vaccine](http://townsquare.media/site/186/files/2020/08/RS23514_GettyImages-494315703-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Shanks Restaurant Officially Closes After Owner’s Death](http://townsquare.media/site/993/files/2021/01/B51EFB04-ABF3-4933-A1C5-BA7C98B833A8.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![Stillman Partners with Historic Black College Innovation Program](http://townsquare.media/site/534/files/2020/12/stillman-college-aerial-view.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Tuscaloosa Restaurant Has an Insane Steak Challenge](http://townsquare.media/site/530/files/2021/01/steak.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gov. Ivey Extends Alabama’s Mask Mandate Into March](http://townsquare.media/site/993/files/2021/01/50166333328_ed9883c15b_k.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Dolly Parton’s Brother, Singer Randy Parton, Has Died](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2021/01/dolly-parton-brother.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Hidden History of Tuscaloosa’s Forgotten Movie Theater](http://townsquare.media/site/530/files/2021/01/Entrance.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Former Tide Target, To’o To’o Enters Transfer Portal](http://townsquare.media/site/531/files/2021/01/GettyImages-1197222195.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Alabama Is Home To One Of The Highest Bridges In The Country](http://townsquare.media/site/962/files/2021/01/Untitled-design-3.jpg?w=980&q=75)