Maurice Smith thanks Alabama, reveals why he chose No. 2 jersey at Georgia

Maurice Smith participated in his first practice for Georgia on Saturday, just one day after the SEC granted a waiver that allowed him to join the team after having played for Alabama.

He took to Instagram on Saturday to reflect on the process, thanking Nick Saban and his staff and revealing why he chose to wear the No. 2 jersey for the Bulldogs.

Blessed In So Many Ways! Words Aren't Able To Express How Much GOD Has Helped Me Grow These Past Months! I Want To Thank The University Of Alabama And All That They Have Helped Me Accomplish In The Last Three Years! I Have Nothing But Love For Coach Saban, His Staff, And The Wonderful Fans In Tuscaloosa! Despite Me Leaving To Become A Dawg, I Will Always Have Three Things No One Can Take Away From Me. And That Is My Degree, The Friendships And Brotherhood I Have Made In Ttown, And My National Championship! I Hope That GOD Has Used Me To Show That Anything Is Possible And To Never Give Up On What You Believe Is Right! No Man Can Stand In The Way Of What GOD Has Planned For You! My Family Went All Out For Me And I Will Go All Out For Them! I Love All Of My Bama Bros And They Know That Will Never Change! I Am Blessed For The Opportunity The Coaches And Staff At The University Of Georgia Have Given Me And I Am Blessed To Call Myself A Dawg! #GoDawgs ?? #SmithRoyalty ? (The 2 Stands For A 2nd Chance)

A photo posted by Maurice Smith II (@mosmithii) on Aug 13, 2016 at 4:44pm PDT

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PHOTOS: Maurice Smith’s first day with UGA