May 24, 2006 – Spokane, WA: The Spokane Shock announced today that the team has been assigned OL/DL Ed Ta’amu, 6’1” 345, by the arenafootball2 League Office.

To make room on their roster, the Shock placed OL/DL Matt Walters on recallable reassignment.

After joining the Minnesota Vikings as a fourth-round pick in the 2002 NFL draft, Ta’amu (pronounced Ta-ah-moo) suffered a knee injury and was released by the team. The Houston Texans then acquired Ta'amu, but the same injury prevented him from playing.

Ta’amu, a two-year starter out of University of Utah, was a two-time All-Mountain West Conference selection. In his senior season, Ta’amu compiled 123 knockdowns, including a school record 25 knockdowns against Brigham Young, and was graded 86.8% for blocking consistency.

Most recently, Ta’amu signed late in the 2006 season with the Arena Football League’s Utah Blaze.

“Ta’amu will have an immediate impact on our line,” Shock Head Coach Chris Siegfried said.

Ta’amu is cleared to play in this weekend’s game as the Shock host the Quad City Steamwheelers. Tickets are still available by calling 325 SEAT or visiting any TicketsWest outlet in the Spokane area.