Players

HOW ACQUIRED:

Selected in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

NFL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

• Served first two seasons as a backup in the defensive end rotation totaling 21 games played with 28 tackles and 2.0 sacks.

• Was placed on injured reserve on January 1, 2008, missing the 2007 playoffs with an ankle injury.

COLLEGE CAREER:

Split time between defensive tackle and end during career at Miami. Played in 49 games, starting 45 times. Registered 175 tackles (84 solos), 18 sacks and 29.5 stops for loss. Added 52 quarterback pressures and nine pass deflections. Recovered three fumbles, including one for a touchdown and caused five fumbles.

PERSONAL:

At Booker High School (Sarasota, Fla.), Atkins was regarded as one of the nation's top defensive end prospects. Played mainly strong-side defensive end and was rated the fourth-best defensive lineman in Florida and the 36th-best overall player in the state by Florida Prep Football. Was a member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution'sSuper Southern 100 squad and earned first-team Class 5A All- State honors as a senior while recording 78 tackles, 25 sacks, forced four fumbles and four fumble recoveries, returning one for a touch- down. Also lettered in track and basketball. Business Management major. Son of Shelia and Fredd Atkins. Father is the mayor of the city of Sarasota.