IFL Bay Area Panthers

Former Wake Forest DL Suh Kamara Signs with the Panthers

Published on March 6, 2024 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


Former Wake Forest defensive lineman Suh Kamara is inspired to build his resume and earn a championship ring after signing with the Bay Area Panthers.

"What can I do every day for the next six months to help us get back to where we were last year?" said Kamara. "Maybe, the team can be even better than last year's team. That's my mindset. I'm trying to help us get back there."

Kamara broke into the starting lineup his junior season at Wake Forest and was part of turnaround that saw the Demon Deacons win the Atlantic Division for the first time since 2006 and reach the ACC Championship game against Pittsburgh.

"Suh is an instinctive, high motor defensive lineman that has the quickness and athleticism to cause havoc in the run and pass game," said Bay Area Head Coach Rob Keefe. "He is a good athlete with power that closes hard and plays fast."

Heading into his junior year, the Wake Forest equipment manager gave veterans a chance to pick different uniform numbers and Kamara listed number 1 as an option. He did it as a joke, but the coaching staff took him up on it. They wanted Kamara to be a leader and wearing number 1 on the defensive line would make that statement.

"I said that I'll take it. I know I'm that guy," said Kamara. "It wasn't a challenge for me. It started off as a joke and turned into something serious that I took pride in."

Kamara felt he grew as a player and as a person during his time in college. He takes great satisfaction in being able to get through college without missing significant time with injuries.

"The best ability is availability. I do my best to take care of myself and if I'm nicked up a little bit, I'll take care of it," said Kamara. "I've been blessed and just one of those guys that didn't have any serious injuries. I'll be praying it stays like that."

Kamara spent last season playing for Head Coach Todd Haley and the Memphis Showboats of the USFL. He initially felt out of place as a noseguard in a 3-4 system before settling in. He views that time as a learning experience that will help him with the Panthers as he climbs the professional ladder.

"The biggest thing is that I need to be a lot more adaptable. Who knows what type of system I'll be in to get my opportunity in the NFL?" said Kamara. "I might be in the same system again and I'll be prepared and able to adapt."

Life lessons include being able to take responsibility for his life and career. Kamara is ready to use those lessons as the fuel to be a difference-maker with Bay Area.

"The biggest adversity is getting out of my own way and understanding that I have to keep fighting," said Kamara. "Something good is going to come from this and I have to make sure I'm not pointing fingers at anyone else and hold myself accountable."

Much of Kamara's motivation comes from his younger brother, Alhaji, who is a defensive back for the University of Maine.

"When I changed to number 1 in college, he changed to wearing number 1 in high school. That's when I realized that he's inspired by me playing football. I want to show him no matter what the path is, you can make it," said Kamara. "I want to make it and show him my path wasn't clean to the league, but I made it because I kept fighting and didn't quit. It's an honor to have someone in your life who looks up to you and appreciates you for what you do."

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