Former Maryland cornerback Tino Ellis plans on signing with the New Orleans Saints, he announced on Twitter Saturday night.
https://twitter.com/IamTinoEllis/status/1254200451173625856?s=20
[Read more: Former Maryland running back Javon Leake signs with the New York Giants]
Ellis arrived in College Park as a highly-touted wide receiver, having starred for local powerhouse DeMatha Catholic alongside future Terps teammate Anthony McFarland.
However, the former four-star recruit converted to cornerback before his freshman year, eventually making one start in his debut campaign as Maryland finished 6-7.
As a sophomore, Ellis’ minutes jumped, as he started six games. And buoyed by the confidence of getting selected week-in and week-out, Ellis saw his performances improve as well. He racked up 27 tackles and broke up five passes — the third-highest total on Maryland.
Ellis shined brightest in his junior season when he batted 11 passes away, posting the fourth-best pass breakup average in the Big Ten. He added his first career interception and 23 tackles on the year, finishing as Pro Football Focus’ top-rated collegiate cornerback. For his impressive displays over the course of the year, Ellis was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention.
[Read more: Pittsburgh Steelers select Maryland safety Antoine Brooks in sixth round of NFL draft]
His senior season was far more complicated, though, appearing in just six games before suffering an upper-body injury that ruled him out for the season. Still, Ellis made his mark, finishing his Maryland career with 52 career tackles.
Now, Ellis joins former teammates McFarland, Antoine Brooks, Javon Leake and Tyler Mabry as members of the NFL fraternity.
