HOUSTON - Although National Signing Day has been quieter than usual for current Northwest players, the Rangers did have one player make his Division I decision official on Wednesday afternoon.

Northwest sophomore linebacker Desmyn Baker signed with Rice University on Wednesday afternoon, becoming the first member of the Rangers' 2020 conference and national championship squad to ink at the next level. He is also the first Northwest player to ever sign with the Owls' program.

"I appreciate Northwest for giving me an opportunity to continue playing the game I love," Baker said, in a social media statement. "I have created bonds with my teammates over these past two seasons that I will never forget."

At 6-2, 225 lbs., Baker capped off his Northwest career with 64 total tackles, three breakups, 2.5 sacks, two fumbles recovered, an interception and a blocked kick. The Clinton native helped the Rangers to back-to-back MACCC North Division titles and a combined 14-3 record during the 2019-20 seasons.

For his efforts in helping the Rangers to an undefeated 2020 season, Baker was selected as first team All-MACCC and third team JCGridiron.com Fall All-American. Off the field, Baker has also earned Academic All-MACCC and NJCAA All-Academic accolades.

"Desmyn is a fast and physical linebacker," Rice linebackers coach Scott Vestal said. "He's a player that we have been on for two years. He decided to take the JUCO route, but he stuck with us and we stuck with him. He's going to be a great player that will make an immediate impact on our program."

Prior to arriving at Northwest, Baker previously received interest from Rice during his prep career at Clinton, along with offers from Samford, UT Martin and other Division I programs. He played on both sides of the ball for the Arrows and coach Judd Boswell, hauling in 29 catches for 420 receiving yards and four TDs to go along with 43 total tackles, 14 for a loss, five sacks and two interceptions as a senior in 2018.

A member of Conference USA, Rice finished the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season with a 2-3 overall record, which included wins against Southern Miss and Marshall.