ROUX WEEKLY - 6'7 Lineman Signs with Rouxgaroux

Photo: Washington Huskies Offensive Linemen James Atoe

Former Husky Lineman makes Louisiana his next destination for his arena career

BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Louisiana Rouxgaroux make a noticeably large signing this week by adding veteran offensive lineman. 

OL | James Atoe - Washington (6'7, 385) 

Today with the Louisiana Rouxgaroux for his sixth year of professional football. Atoe will be entering camp as a potential anchor for the Rouxgaroux offensive line. Atoe played five seasons in the Arena Football League (2016-19) where he primarily played for the Washington Valor but started his arena career with the Colorado Crush (2016) and Spokane Empire (2017). During his AFL career he was a AFL Bowl Champion in 2018 and earned Second Team All-AFL Honors in 2016 as a rookie. In addition to arena football he played for Team USA Football in 2018 following his championship season in the AFL. Atoe spent his college career at Washington four seasons with the Huskies after redshirting his freshman year in 2010. During his playing time in Washington he started in 20 games and played in 43 his best season came in his final season he started in all 14 games helping the Huskies to a Cactus Bowl appearance against Oklahoma State. 

Additionally, the Rouxgaroux continue to stock up on talent. Louisiana signed a two-year pro wide receiver. 

RB | Derek Daniels Jr. (5'10, 185)

 Daniels enters his third year of arena football, a versatile athlete that can play both sides of the ball. He played in 2024 for the Duluth Harbor Monsters of The Arena League (TAL) where he played defensive back and wide receiver. However, during his high school career at Duluth East he was an All-American running back and now returns to the position with the Rouxgaroux.