Waking up at four in the morning is never fun — just ask one of the team captains, Senior Defensive Lineman Sam Kamara — but sometimes it’s worth it. Kamara, Senior Defensive Back Gavin Heslop as well as Coach Chuck Priore, Coach Patrick Hatch and Assistant Athletic Director Brian Miller caught an early morning flight on July 23 to Baltimore for CAA Media Day at M&T Bank Stadium, the home of the Baltimore Ravens.
Stony Brook, which finished fourth in the conference last season after it earned its second straight FCS playoff appearance, was picked to finish as the sixth-best team in the conference of twelve teams. Three Seawolves were named to the Preseason All-Conference team: Kamara, Sophomore Offensive Lineman Kyle Nunez and Senior Special Teams/Running Back Isaiah White.
Kamara and Heslop, both entering their final season for the Seawolves, were very sentimental when discussing the upcoming season.
“I’m just trying to enjoy every moment,” Kamara said. “It’s the last start of training camp for me. Time flew by. I didn’t even know Stony Brook existed at first. I came off the field (in high school) and my coach told me that someone from Stony Brook was here to see me. Glad I made this choice.”
Heslop shared the same feelings when discussing Stony Brook athletics. “I’m soaking in everything. Taking it all in… but we’re going to come out ready to play.”
Ready to play they will be. Towson Football Head Coach Rob Ambrose and New Hampshire Football Head Coach Sean McDonnell both agreed on one thing, “Stony Brook plays fantastic defense, and they come prepared to play every week.”
Kamara and Heslop are not the only ones excited about the upcoming season for the Seawolves. Coach Priore raved about the depth the team has this year. “This is the deepest team I’ve ever had, by far, at every position, with the exception of linebacker.”
The Seawolves, who added seven transfers during the offseason as well as a strong 11 man recruiting class, will look to ride the wave of momentum and earn a third straight FCS playoffs appearance. #HOWLSEA20N opens at home on Aug. 29 versus Bryant.
