In middle school, Cole Christiansen did not think he wanted to pursue football, but his dad kept encouraging him to go for it, and eventually he really did.

David Christiansen probably had a day like Sunday in mind for his son.

On Sunday, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy senior linebacker Cole Christiansen made a verbal commitment to play NCAA Division I football for the United States Military Academy at West Point.

“It’s all I ever worked for,” Christiansen said. “I was so ecstatic on Sunday. I knew that was the day I wanted to do it. I’d actually talked to (Old Dominion University) that Saturday, and they had said they had taken all the linebackers that they needed this year, so that door kind of closed, and I didn’t want the other schools to do the same. So I woke up and I called Coach (Jay) Bateman, who’s the defensive coordinator (for) Army, and told him I’m ready to be a Black Knight.”

Christiansen had sent NSA coach Lew Johnston a text to let him know of his decision, but Johnston had his phone off.

“So he was able to tell me face-to-face,” Johnston said. “So of course, I gave him a big hug and told him I was really happy for him. It’s a great fit. He will certainly fit in there and thrive there.”

In years prior, Johnston had suggested to Christiansen that he consider going to a military school.

“I didn’t think it was for me,” Christiansen said. “But when I found out the statistics of what you make when you leave and the progression you make through the ranks, it’s a pretty good deal.”

He has been a defensive standout for the Saints since his freshman year and has accrued offers from schools including the University of Richmond, the College of William & Mary, Towson University, Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, Davidson College and Old Dominion University.

Wake Forest University also offered him preferred walk-on status.

But West Point got the edge because of, among other reasons, its reputation.

“I mean, 52 of the 55 generals that fought in the Civil War went to West Point, and I just think stats like that are the coolest thing ever,” Christiansen said. “And the relationships, I’ve dealt with their coaches, and they’re awesome. It’s the biggest level of play — they play Michigan, Notre Dame, they’ll play Ohio State in the next two years, I think. And I want to be in the Army. I didn’t think that I wanted to go to a military school when I first started the whole process, but looking at the success that I think I’ll have after school kind of made it a no-brainer.”

Johnston said that Army coaches are “certainly going to use him at linebacker, and the question is how quickly can he put on 10 or 15 pounds, to be able to step in and start helping right away.”