HOUSTON – Redshirt sophomore free safety Tino Thomas Jr. will continue his football career at Texas Southern University, signing an NLI with the Tigers during the Christmas holidays in his hometown of Memphis.

Thomas (6-0/205) transferred to Northwest from The University of Tennessee, and in his lone season in Senatobia, racked up 34 tackles (22 solo), two interceptions, three breakups and a fumble recovery. He redshirted in 2012 for the Volunteers and played in three games as a redshirt freshman in 2013.

The former Melrose standout was rated a 3-star prospect by Rivals (No. 56 overall, No. 11 prospect in Tennessee), Scout.com (No. 93 overall wide receiver) and ESPN (No. 138 overall athlete) coming out of high school. He was an MIAA Class 5A-6A All-State and All-District 16-AAA selection by The Commercial Appeal.

Thomas was also receiving interest from Grambling State, Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech and several others before deciding on Texas Southern.

Thomas is the third Ranger to sign a Division I scholarship in the Class of 2015 with at least six others expected to sign with four-year schools in February on National Signing Day.