LB Steve Octavien Added to Roster, LB David Akinniyi Placed on IR
TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce the acquisition of linebacker Steve Octavien, announced vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. The team has placed linebacker David Akinniyi on injured reserve.
“Steve brings a tenacity that will fit in well with our defense,” said Gooch. “You never want to have a player like David get injured in a game, but we believe Steve possesses some of the same redeeming qualities that we saw in David and other members of our defense.”
Octavien (6-foot-0, 254 lbs., Nebraska) spent two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (2008-09) prior to joining the Cleveland Browns late in the 2010 season. He played with the Omaha Nighthawks (UFL) in 2011. Octavien originally signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008 as an undrafted rookie free agent, and then joined the Washington Redskins practice squad prior to Cowboys claiming him from the Redskins.
His senior season at Nebraska he was voted MVP of the defense. Over the course of three seasons he tallied 128 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 pass breakups and 11quarterback hurries. Prior to attending Nebraska he played for William Rainey Harper College where he helped his team reach a 10-3 record during the 2003 season. Octavien was also a member of William Rainey’s 2004 National Champion 400-meter relay team.
Octavien’s sister, Dayana, was a three-time track All-American in the discus and hammer throw at South Florida and competed in the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials.
Akinniyi (6-4, 260, North Carolina State) started three games for the Storm at linebacker prior to suffering and arm injury in the second half of last week’s game against the Jacksonville Sharks.