ATHENS — Maurice Smith, now officially a Georgia Bulldog, has arrived in Athens and was expected to be at the team’s scrimmage on Saturday at Sanford Stadium, his mother said.

The senior defensive back got on a flight soon after the SEC officially cleared him to transfer to Georgia on Friday afternoon.

It’s not clear whether Smith will participate in some way, or just watch. It’s hard to see him fully taking part, since it’s a scrimmage, but if he’s in uniform he could participate in some drills.

The senior defensive back got on a flight soon after the SEC officially cleared him to transfer to Georgia on Friday afternoon.

Suffice to say, it’s very unusual to add an immediate-impact player this close to the season. Smith finished Alabama’s spring practice as the first-team nickel back, and while that was no means certain for the season, it was clear that Nick Saban and defensive coordinator/secondary coach Jeremy Pruitt had Smith in their plans for 2016.

Smith only started two games in three years at Alabama, but was regarded as a versatile, smart player, and will have close to no learning curve for the defense. That’s because head coach Kirby Smart was Alabama’s defensive coordinator the past three years, and Georgia defensive coordinator/secondary coach Mel Tucker was Alabama’s secondary coach and Smith’s position coach last year.

Smith’s mother said the plan is definitely for him to play in 2016, though the SEC release on Friday alluded to him being eligible to play at Georgia in 2016 or 2017. It’s always possible that because of the late date Smith could opt to redshirt this season. But so far all indications have been for him playing right away, especially with his familiarity with Georgia’s coaches.

The next question is where Smith plays in the secondary. If he slides in at nickel back, where sophomore Rico McGraw has been first team, then McGraw could move to safety, either as a backup or a replacement for senior Quincy Mauger. Or Smith could compete with sophomore Juwuan Briscoe or junior Malkom Parrish for one of the starting cornerback spots.

Smart is due to meet the media after Saturday’s scrimmage, which begins around 1 p.m. and is closed to the public and media, except for two early periods.