STONY BROOK, N.Y. — The Stony Brook football team received a major upgrade to its defense without having to go outside the program.

On the eve of the new decade, the NCAA has granted lineman Sam Kamara a waiver, allowing him to return for a fifth and final season in 2020. 

Kamara had suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during the second half of the Seawolves' win at Rhode Island in Week 5 on Sept. 28.

"It's beyond a blessing to be able to play with my brothers again," Kamara said. "Last fall with my season coming to an abrupt end and everything going on personally, this opportunity to have my season back is nothing short of a blessing."

Kamara was named to the preseason All-CAA football team in 2019. He went on to record 16 total tackles, three sacks and 4½ tackles for a loss in five games. 
 
"We are very excited about Sam 's ability to return for 2020," head coach Chuck Priore said. "He is an impact player in the CAA and will help solidify our defense for the upcoming season."
 
Kamara had earned second-team All-CAA honors in 2018 after recording a career-best 42 total tackles and league-best nine sacks. 
 
The Carteret, N.J., native was granted the additional year through an appeals process with the NCAA. Kamara had not redshirted during his previous four seasons with the Seawolves, making him a candidate. He played in eight games as a true freshman and has recorded 33 starts during his collegiate career. 
 
Kamara and the Seawolves are set to open the 2020 season at Fordham on Aug. 29. They play the first of five home games at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on Sept. 26 against Sacred Heart.
 
"I'm ready and excited to get back out on the field one more time and help this team reach success," Kamara said. 
 
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