TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm added defensive lineman David Akinniyi (ah-KIN-ee-yee) to the roster, announced vice president of player personnel Jeff Gooch.

“David is a guy we have kept an eye on since the conclusion of the 2011 season,” said Gooch.  “He has real good speed for a player his size and the ability to play with his hand in the dirt or from an upright position.  He will add flexibility to our front four.”

Akinniyi (6-foot-4, 260 lbs., North Carolina State) spent time with the Minnesota Vikings this past NFL preseason, 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.