AUBURN, Ala. – Prince Micheal Sammons never thought he would end up in the United States playing football. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Sammons played and followed soccer growing up. When he did come to the U.S. in 2011, it was to play high school basketball.
"I wasn't nervous," he said. "I was excited to come to America and I was eager to learn."
However, after landing at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy in Ohio, Sammons switched to football his junior year of high school thanks to encouragement from his American father Brandon Sammons, a teacher and assistant coach at CHCA. The move paid dividends. He was good enough to earn Division V Defensive Player of the Year honors in Ohio, and scholarship offers quickly followed.
Sammons, who had more than 20 offers, was drawn to the family aspect at Auburn.
"The community is small, and everyone knows everyone," he said. "The pride that the alumni have is something serious and the university as a whole is why I committed here.
"When I took an official visit, Prince Tega (Wanogho), who I knew from playing basketball in Africa, said 'Hey, this school would really be a good fit for you.' Having someone from the same place I was from was a help to me."
The Auburn Family played an integral role in Sammons' decision, but it wasn't the only thing. He sought out a school that would challenge him academically, and he found that at Auburn.
"I seek growth, and I knew I could grow here at Auburn," Sammons said. "Football was just a plus. Football is a blessing, and it's a platform to continue my education. I truly wanted to come here to get a better education, so I could become a role model to my brothers."
A multi-year member of the AD Honor Roll and SEC Academic Honor Roll, Sammons earned his bachelor's degree in marketing from the Harbert College of Business in May and is working toward a second degree in business management. After college, he wants to provide for his family and knows his education is the tool that is going to allow him to accomplish his future plans.
As he works toward his goal, Sammons knows just how important academics is and wants to share that knowledge with the younger players who might have just arrived on campus.
"Start the first year off strong," he tells them. "Your educational background is your key."
It was football, though, that first opened the door for Sammons at Auburn, and football has also provided memories which will stay with him forever – none better than a home game at Jordan-Hare Stadium and everything that goes with it.
"Playing on the field on Saturdays is so fun," he said. "Playing with my teammates, my brothers, and seeing everyone come to cheer us on, especially when we beat Alabama, it was a feeling I'll never forget."
The journey isn't over. Sammons will be sad to have to say good-bye to the Auburn Family, but he has high expectations for the upcoming season – his final season with the Tigers.
"I want to win it all, and my teammates do also," he said while adding that his coaches and teammates view every week as a new opportunity and a chance to prove themselves. "We are coming together as one unit so we can strive for our goals."
Hanging up his helmet after this season, Sammons knows he couldn't have done any of this without the support of his American parents, Brandon and Betsy Sammons, his siblings, and the memory his late mother Calista Ofoko, who was one of his biggest influences.
"My mother has never backed down from anything and has taught me to keep fighting through any hard times," Sammons said. "I want to make her proud."
Sammons is well on his way to doing that. He became a U.S. citizen earlier this year. He's already graduated with one degree with plans to earn a second. Though he doesn't know what's next after football, he's excited for whatever God has planned for him in the next chapter of his life.
As for his time at Auburn, he will forever be grateful.
"For the fans, and the Auburn Family, I want to say thank you for accepting me," Sammons said. "Thank you so much. I love you from the bottom of my heart and I'm going to miss you all. War Eagle."