Senior cornerback Troy Stoudermire was granted a medical hardship waiver, and will be back for a fifth year.

He played in just four games in 2011 before suffering a season-ending arm injury.

“This is great news for Troy and for our program,” head coach Jerry Kill said in a statement. “I’m really excited for Troy and glad to have him back with us next season.”

Stoudermire holds the school and Big Ten record for career kick return yardage with 3,102. Should he stay healthy in 2012, he’ll have a realistic chance to break the NCAA record of 3,517, held by Houston’s Tyrone Carter.

“I’m just excited and happy,” Stoudermire said. “I’ve been waiting on this thing for a long time. Now, I’m just looking forward to getting back there for my first workout and getting back with the team.”