By Jimmy Hyams

Jeremy Pruitt finished his college playing days at Alabama, but he didn’t begin his career with the Crimson Tide.

Pruitt started his first two seasons at Middle Tennessee State before testing his skills at the SEC level.

He transferred to the school of his dreams and was eligible to play right away, going from Division I-AA to I-A.

“I was allowed to do that,’’ said the native of Rainsville, Ala. “They let me do it. I didn’t sit out. I went and played.

“I’m thankful that he (MTSU coach Boots Donnelly) gave me an opportunity to kind of go try to fulfill my dreams.’’

Another transfer issue has arisen that impacts Pruitt – as a coach, not a player.

Alabama backup center and graduate Brandon Kennedy wants to transfer, apparently in an effort to seek more playing time. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban is blocking the move, not granting a release for Kennedy to play in the SEC or with a future Alabama opponent.

Saban did the same thing two years ago to defensive back Maurice Smith, refusing to release Smith to play for Georgia and its first-year coach Kirby Smart, who had worked for Saban for more than a decade at Alabama.

The SEC stepped in and granted Smith the chance to play right away at Georgia.

Kennedy has expressed an interest in playing at Tennessee and Auburn. The SEC likely will step in to support Kennedy – if Saban doesn’t release Kennedy.

Pruitt was asked his philosophy on grad transfers.

“Obviously, I don’t think they would be leaving a situation where they felt like they could continue to have success,’’ Pruitt said. “If they’ve earned their degree, in my opinion, they’ve earned the right to choose where they want to go by their maturity and the things that they’ve accomplished.

“We’ve had some guys that elected to leave here (Tennessee) and that’s their decision and we’ve supported them. The way I look at it, who am I to help determine where someone is going to go to school?

“They’ve earned the opportunity to pick where they want to go.’’

Whether Kennedy elects to attend Tennessee or Auburn, Pruitt is right. By graduating, Kennedy has earned the right to transfer wherever he wants and play right away.

In fact, the NCAA should have a rule allowing grad transfers to go where they want and play immediately.

And no coach – including Saban – should stand in their way.

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