Tino Thomas commits to Tennessee

Tennessee picked up commitment 17 for the 2011 class on Friday when Memphis Melrose defensive back Tino Thomas pledged his commitment to the Vols. Listed at 5-foot-11, 190-pounds, Thomas is rated a 3-star prospect by ESPN and earned a Scouts Grade of 75.

Thomas, who is projected to play cornerback at Tennessee, is being recruited primarily by Charlie Baggett.

“It’s something special,” Thomas told GoVolsXtra. “It’s like a family and I want to be a part of it. I see a real good future for UT.”

ESPN Evaluation

Thomas splits time between tailback and safety and while he has some redeeming qualities as a runner we feel he may be a better fit on defense in the secondary. He has good height and a thick, sturdy build. A quick reactor in terms of run support and is athletic enough to adjust his angle of support if the ball bounces or cuts back. Uses hands to separate and disengage from blockers and also uses the sideline to his advantage as an extra tackler. Very solid support safety on the perimeter to flare and screen passes. Needs to work at tackling fundamentals; sometimes is a little high or arm tackles. Must work at exploding from low to high and driving legs on contact. Does his best work in pass defense as a cover-two safety working off the hash. Shows the ability to play the sideline routes and underneath passes from the halves safety position. Thomas has quickness and ball skills. He is an alert and instinctive football player. Is truly at his best coming forward to make a play in run/pass support. Has very quick feet, can key and diagnose and he does display some range. However, whether Thomas is on offense or defense he does display some tension through the hips and is a short stepper. We would be concerned with him matched-up against, quicker, fluid and faster receivers in man coverage. He would be an adequate match-up for backs and tight ends because he is physical and can likely run with them. He has very good ball skills in coverage and the natural run skills to know what to do with the ball after an interception. Thomas is a rangy, big, strong prospect that may be a best fit as a strong safety closer to the line of scrimmage.