Alabama redshirt freshman Kendall Sheffield will transfer, according to a report by ESPN. Sheffield was granted his release on Wednesday with the stipulation he not transfer to another SEC school.

(Original post)

Sheffield has been notably absent from Alabama practices this past week and coach Nick Saban gave little clarity as to Sheffield’s whereabouts.

“Kendall Sheffield has not been here for the last couple of days,” Saban said. “I don’t really know what his status is so there’s no need to ask me. We’re happy to have him back. He’s a fine young man. He’s worked hard, he’s made a lot of improvement here.

“We enjoy having him be a part of the team if that’s what he chooses and continue to work with him in a positive way to help him develop academically and athletically.”

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Sheffield, a former five-star defensive back, was competing for a prominent role in the Tide’s defense, according to TideSports.com, and was competing with Anthony Averrett for the third cornerback role behind Marlon Humphrey and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Sheffield had participated in the team’s scrimmage on Saturday before missing Monday and Tuesday’s practices.

Classes at Alabama began Wednesday, but Saban said Sheffield had until Aug. 24, the last day to add or drop a class, to rejoin the team.

“We want what’s best for the people on our team. If there’s something we can do to help resolve this from their family’s standpoint, we’re certainly available to do that,” Saban said.

“There’s no pressure from our standpoint. 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.”

Touchdown Alabama Magazine cited sources that Sheffield had transferred from the program, but Saban did not confirm that report.

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With Sheffield out of the picture — at least temporarily — Alabama’s defensive back depth is diminished. The team already lost Maurice Smith to transfer, leaving Jared Mayden and Shyheim Carter as potential fill-ins. The team also moved receiver Trevon Diggs and linebacker Keaton Anderson to the secondary to help fill out depth.

For more Alabama news, visit TideSports.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday