The Tampa Bay Storm Friday announced the return of defensive lineman Paul Griffin.

“Paul has played in this league for the past three seasons,” said vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.  “We believe that his veteran presence and experience will be a strength on the defensive side of the ball.”

Griffin (6-foot-1, 290 lbs., Florida State) returns for his second season in a Storm uniform.  Last season, he played in 17 games, starting in 16.  Griffin would finish his 2012 campaign with 13.5 tackles, three for a loss, 2.5 sacks, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and a blocked kick.

The former Seminole began his professional career in 2010, spending two seasons with the Orlando Predators