Arizona: Earned some playing time in 2003 and will contend for a role as linebacker in 2004... Played in eight games... Worked at fullback in practice... Redshirted in 2002 as a member of the defensive scout team... 2002 Mary Roby Academic Achievement Award recipient.
High School: Creekview, Texas, High School, 2002... Considered one of the top linebackers in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (Carrollton is 10 miles northwest of the Dallas city center), Akinniyi was a Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report All-Southwest selection, listed the 102nd overall prospect in the region... Hard-hitting reputation and caused seven fumbles in 2001... Finished with 82 tackles, six for loss including three sacks, three quarterback hurries and one pass deflection... Had big game vs. Louisville HS with 18 tackles, two TFL and one forced fumble... Rivals100.com No. 39 on its Top 100 outside linebacker list, with three-star rating... ACC, Big 12 and Big Ten schools also recruited him... Dallas Morning News No. 68 prospect... PrepStar all-region player with reported 4.56 speed... Unanimous All-District choice... Had 18 tackles, including four for losses, against arch-rival Lewisville High last year.
