O.J. Smith, a former Alabama defensive tackle, tweeted Thursday that he is transferring to the Gophers in a move that could address a key future need for P.J. Fleck's squad.
The 6-2, 309-pound Smith played in just two career games with the Crimson Tide, making two tackles. Smith, who hails from Bossier City, La., was rated as the No. 34 defensive tackle in the Class of 2014 by 247Sports.com.
Smith, who reportedly is seeking a medical redshirt season, will have at least one year of eligibility remaining and will be able to play for Minnesota starting in 2018.
The Gophers have a big need at defensive tackle because Steven Richardson, Andrew Stelter and Merrick Jackson will all be seniors this fall.
