NEW ORLEANS – The Arena Football League (AFL) assigned FB/LB Louie Runnels and DL Lolomana Mikaele to the New Orleans VooDoo, announced the VooDoo front office on Wednesday afternoon.

Mikaele (6’2” 305 lbs. Arizona) was a three-year letter winner at Arizona, starring in his senior season with 34 total tackles (16 solo) with 10 tackles for a loss including one sack.  The Honolulu native finished his career with the Wildcats with 38 career games in three seasons with 59 total tackles (31 solo) 15 for a loss and 2 sacks.

After his senior season in 2011, Mikaele signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted but his tenure was short due to injury.

“Mana is a high-motor guy that is going to turn some heads in training camp.  I know he is a hungry player and wants this opportunity with the VooDoo,” said head coach Pat O’Hara.  

Runnels (6’0” 265 lbs. Stephen F. Austin) is entering his second season of playing professional football and first between the walls in the AFL.  Runnels was a star at Stephen F. Austin, racking up All-Southland Conference honors twice.  He currently stands sixth on the Lumberjacks career list in rushing yards (2,145) and 10th in all-purpose yards (2,576).  

The Bellville, Texas native attended the VooDoo’s most recent open tryout, marking the team’s second player added from an open tryout this season.  Prior to being assigned to the VooDoo, Runnels spent some time with the Green Bay Packers (NFL) in 2008.

“Louie, like Mana, is reveling in this opportunity with the VooDoo.  Louie is eager to get in camp and challenge for a spot on this team,” said O’Hara.

The two assignments bring the VooDoo roster to 33, two shy of the maximum limit for training camp.  Training camp begins February 24.