The Gophers essentially pulled off a trade last week with Iowa Western Community College.
Minnesota sent former star recruit Jeff Jones to Iowa Western in exchange for defensive tackle Merrick Jackson. Technically, Jackson committed to be a JUCO transfer to Minnesota on Dec. 10, and Jones going to Iowa Western for academic reasons happened Wednesday.
While the circumstances in these two moves are unique, the relationship between the two schools is now routine. Jackson is the fourth player since 2010 to travel north from the junior college in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Dinkytown.
Jackson is also one of four JUCO players to enroll at the U in January with expectations to contribute next season.