TOKYO, Japan - Former Texas A&M University-Commerce defensive lineman Charles Tuaau has signed with IBM BigBlue of Japan's X-League, the top level of American football in Japan.

Tuaau, a 6-foot-5, 310 lbs., defensive tackle is expected to be a premier player for BigBlue entering the 2017 X-League fall season, which culminates in the JAPAN X BOWL in December. He joins an already strong BigBlue team which advanced to the Pearl Bowl in June, which is the final of the X-League spring season. Tuaau's size and quickness are predicted to be strengths for BigBlue, as only two non-Japanese players are permitted on the field at one time.

The Hawaiian was a Cliff Harris Award finalist in 2014 following an All-American campaign in 2013. He made 86 tackles in a Lion uniform with 34 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, two blocked kicks, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble.  In 2013 he was a first team AFCA All-American, a second team Daktronics All-American, and the Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Year. In 2014, he was an all-region player after suffering an injury. He has been in NFL camps with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015 and the Miami Dolphins in 2016.