FORT LAUDERDALE – Gunnar Hansen had a plan that he stuck to.
Since making the decision earlier this offseason to transfer from American Heritage (Delray Beach) to St. Thomas Aquinas, the 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive lineman has gained a noticeable amount of recognition on the college recruiting front.
Over the past several months, Hansen has competed in several camps and has been working extremely hard to improve his craft. It has resulted in official offers from the likes of UNLV and Vanderbilt, which he received this month.
Instead of exploring further, Hansen decided to end his college recruiting by going with Vanderbilt shortly after noon today (Aug. 19).
Hansen’s decision was likely made at this time so he can focus solely on his senior year of high school. He did share with New Era Prep back in January what he wanted in the college of his choice.
“I just want to go to the best place to help go to college for football,” said Hansen, who has gained three total offers this year, including one from Toledo.
Provided that St. Thomas Aquinas will get to defend its Class 7A state title this fall, the offensive lineman and 247Sports.com three-star standout would like nothing more than to end his high school journey with a ring.
“I just want an opportunity to compete with the best,” Hansen said of the Raiders upon his transfer move this past January. “I want to win a state championship.”
In his junior year at American Heritage (Delray Beach), Hansen tallied 30+ pancake blocks and allowed just one sack. This is remarkable, considering the fact that Stallions used three different quarterbacks due to a variety of injuries at different points throughout the season (last year’s starter and now-alum Zachary Bohannon, incoming sophomore sensation Dylan Rizk, and incoming junior athlete Tavares Parker).
Hansen, who began his high school football career at Spanish River, was picked by the Sun-Sentinel as an All-County First Team offensive tackle for small schools in Palm Beach County. He was also a Class 3A All-State Second Team Offense selection.
PHOTO CREDITS: Vanderbilt Football
