Tampa Jesuit shortstop Nick Lockwood, a USF signee who was drafted in the ninth round two weeks ago, will not be playing for the Bulls as he signed a pro contract with the Minnesota Twins on Monday.

"It's been my dream and my family's dream that I could play college baseball," Lockwood said. "But when this came up, it seemed like an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

Lockwood, the younger brother of USF sophomore outfielder Ryan Lockwood, is the third USF player or signee to opt for a pro contract, joining junior right-hander Shawn Sanford (Giants) and signee Chase Greene (Mets).

Lockwood's father Bill said Nick will report on Thursday to Fort Myers, where he's expected to play for the Twins' rookie league team. "We are elated at the opportunity provided to Nick," his father said. "We're thrilled to death. It's a great Father's Day present."

Being drafted in the ninth round should equate to a six-figure signing bonus, but money wasn't the deciding factor in Lockwood's decision.

"It didn't come down to dollars and cents, but being drafted in a round that gives him the best opportunity to fulfill his dreams. This was a surprising ascension," his father said.

Lockwood's father said Ryan, who is playing summer ball in the Cape Cod League, is "definitely" coming back to USF for his junior year. Signees Chad Taylor and Ray Delphey have both said they intend to start classes this fall and play for the Bulls rather than sign with the pro teams that drafted them.