Why South Walton 2027 OL Alex Sansom picked Florida Atlantic football

Baker, South Walton and Walton football roll to wins

SANTA ROSA BEACH — Florida Atlantic University has long been Alex Sansom's dream school. A storybook official visit earlier in September cemented that for the South Walton offensive lineman, a three-star giant who last week committed to the 2-1 Owls.

After the Seahawks easily beat district foe Pensacola High, Sansom flew out at 5 a.m., arrived to Boca Raton and watched the Owls jump out to a 38-7 lead over Navy en route to their first win of the season. That was just the start to a perfect three-day visit.

"Since my sophomore year, I really loved FAU — loved the location, loved the weather, loved the school," Sansom said. "And when I found out that they wanted me to come on official visit, I was really excited. Being there and just seeing the culture of the school and the brotherhood, it was awesome. I got to go to into the locker room after the game and I saw everyone together and it really stood out to me how much it felt like home. Everybody treated me like family when I was there."

Standing 6-foot-4, 290 pounds, Sansom already looks the part of a collegiate lineman. So much so, he'll graduate early from South Walton and enroll early at FAU to get a jump on gelling with the program and acclimating to the next level.

"Coach (Stephen) Hamby, the offensive line coach, he said that he primarily wants me at center," Sansom said. "He's going to start me out at guard, but he wants to work me into the center role and teach me how to snap, things like that."

Sansom's parents have already sent one kid off to college (older brother is at TCU), and they supported the decision to leave home early for FAU.

"So my mom doesn't know much about football, but she was very excited and loved the school," Sansom said. "And my dad was just on cloud nine because we got to meet the head of the business school, and he's a big business guy. He just fell in love with the school and loves the football program, had a great time at the game. Across the board, it's really just a dream come true."

Sansom will major in business with the end goal of working in commercial real estate. But there's work to be done at South Walton, where Sansom was able to reunite this offseason with former IMG teammate JD Brown.

"I think I think we have a great team and we're really starting to click," Sansom said. "That Florida High loss was rough and we lost two really good linemen, but it's next man up and we always find a way to get through it. Our offense is starting to get into rhythm and we're moving the ball, bringing more energy to practice. So I feel like we're on track for a great season."

South Walton coach Phil Tisa is thankful to have Sansom's leadership on the line.

"Alex has been a great addition to our team," Tisa said, "and I couldn't be happier for him to have this opportunity at FAU."

South Walton (4-1, 1-0) hosts District 1-3A foe Pine Forest (2-2, 0-0) Friday night at the Hawks Nest.