Baraka Atkins

2007: Saw action in 12 games registering 10 tackles,a pass defensed and a fumble recovery. Was inactive four games including versus San Francisco (11/12) and Chicago (11/18) with an ankle injury. Was placed on injured reserve (ankle) January 1, 2008, and missed the postseason.

Pro: Originally drafted by the Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

College: 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's Super 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 touchdown. As a junior, he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown, adding 79 tackles and eight sacks. Named the defensive MVP of the University of Miami summer camp in June 2001 and participated in the Cali-Florida All-Star game, where he scored the only defensive touchdown. He also lettered in track and basketball. Business Management major. Son of Shelia and Fredd Atkins. Father is the mayor of the city of Sarasota. Born 9/28/84. Resides in Sarasota, Florida.