The New England Patriots announced the signing of fifth-round draft choice Hakim Akbar Friday.
Akbar started every game at safety for the University of Washington in 2000 and helped the Huskies to an 11-1 record and a third-place ranking in the season-ending college polls. The 6-0, 210-pound safety posted 97 tackles, including five for losses, and had two interceptions. He started his last 26 games and finished his collegiate career with 225 total tackles, including 123 solo stops and 8 tackles for losses. He also gathered four interceptions and recovered five fumbles.
Akbar is a native of Riverside, Calif. He earned all-county, all-conference and all-league honors during his senior year at Riverside Polytechnic High.
