NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Akinniyi Returns, Barksdale, Ellingson and Roberts Added

November 13, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL) - Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce the return of defensive lineman/linebacker David Akinniyi and the addition of three free agents defensive back Rashad Barksdale, wide receiver Greg Ellingson and defensive lineman R.J. Roberts.

"We are continuing to add players that will make us better," said vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. "All four of these guys; David, Rashad, Greg and RJ have high motors and can contribute on special teams. They raise the bar, the level of competition at each position."

Akinniyi (6-foot-4, 260 lbs., North Carolina State) returns back to the Storm after appearing in three games prior to missing the rest of the season with a broken arm. Prior to his injury against the Jacksonville Sharks, he led the front four in quarterback pressures and had 5.5 tackles and a pass breakup.

He began his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2011 joining the team as an undrafted rookie free agent. A three-year starter at Northeastern in the Colonial Athletic Conference, he transferred to North Carolina State for his senior season after Northeastern dropped its football program. Akinniyi transitioned smoothly and moved right into the starting defensive end position for the Wolfpack.

While at Northeastern, Akinniyi was named to the CAA All-Academic team, Academic All-America team by ESPN and at NC State he earned the Edwards Award given to the senior with the highest scholastic average, as well as the Bob Warren Award, given to the player that best exemplifies integrity and sportsmanship. During his senior season with the Wolfpack, he recorded 20 tackles, 4.5 for a loss and three sacks.

"I am Grateful for the opportunity to return," said Akinniyi "I am ready to get back on the field."

Barksdale (6-0, 200 lbs., Albany (NY)) is a two-year veteran who spent the past two seasons (2011-12) with the Kansas City Command. A big hitter, he appeared in 28 games and recorded 195 tackles, five for a loss, three interceptions, 16 pass breakups, three recovered fumbles and two forced fumbles.

Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round (201st pick) of the 2007 National Football League Entry Draft, Barksdale landed with the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2007 season. He spent time with five teams in the NFL, last with the Arizona Cardinals in the fall of 2010. He only played football one season at Albany after he transitioned from the Danes' baseball program.

"I am really excited to be joining the Storm organization," said Barksdale. "I think I can bring some experience and leadership to the defensive backfield. I bring passion and aggressiveness to the field, and always want to punish the player across from me."

Ellingson, (6-4, 200, Florida International) a local product from Robinson H.S. (Tampa, FL) enters his second season in the AFL. He spent the 2012 season with the New Orleans VooDoo and recorded 33 catches for 475 yards and eight touchdowns in five games prior to signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He began his professional career in 2011 with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted rookie free agent.

He was an Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt Conference selection after his senior season, in which he caught 43 passes for 612 yards and a team-leading five touchdowns. The Tampa native finished his FIU career third in touchdown catches (14), fourth in receiving yards (2,018) and fifth in receptions (131). His senior season, Ellingson became one of FIU's go-to receivers in key situations as 35 of his 43 receptions resulted in a touchdown or first down.

"Being from Tampa it is going to be nice to have the opportunity to play in front of my family and friends," said Ellingson. "I am excited for the season to begin."

Roberts (6-4, 255, Troy) most recently played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders during the 2011 CFL season. The coaching staff found him at a recent open tryout the team hosted in Georgia.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm was awarded the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year. 2013 season tickets are now available for more information call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com . Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...

Arena Football League Stories from November 13, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Tampa Bay Storm Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central