Palmer graduate to play college football at Concordia in Nebraska

PALMER — Collin Christiansen has spent more time around the game of football than most people twice his age. He’s a coach’s kid, son of longtime Palmer head coach Rod Christiansen, and grew up waiting for his chance to wear the blue and white of the Palmer Moose.

Now Christiansen is ready to take the next step in his football career. The 2011 Palmer High graduate will attend Concordia University in Nebraska and will play football for the Bulldogs.

“It’s been a dream (to play college football),” Christiansen said. “Pursuing high school football was always more of a foreseeable goal. But now, playing college football and having success in college is definitely the goal.”

Christiansen, a regular at both defensive end and tight end with the Moose, is expected to line up on defense for the NAIA program.

“I’ll probably play defensive end, maybe see if I can break in on offense. You never know what can happen,” Christiansen said. “I like defensive end, but also like being on the offensive side.”

Christiansen probably won’t line up among the biggest defensive ends on the Bulldogs roster, but coaches have always praised his work ethic and motor. Christiansen said there might be options, like playing on offense or moving back to a linebacker position. Christiansen may start by playing on certain downs, he said, but knows he’ll have the chance to get bigger and stronger at the next level.

Christiansen said he’s excited about his potential at the NAIA school.

“I think it’s going to be good,” Christiansen said. “Obviously, it’ll be challenging coming out of high school. It’s going to be a challenge, but I think I’m going to be able to get some playing time. I think it’s where I want to be.”

Christiansen received interest from several schools, but narrowed his choices to Concordia and Division III Pudget Sound in Washington. Christiansen ultimately settled on Concordia for a variety of reasons. Christiansen had a connection with Concordia through his Lutheran church.

“I was able to learn about them because of the connection,” Christiansen said. “People in my church have gone to Concordia. I knew it was a pretty good school. It’s a good atmosphere, a really good Christian college. I think it’ll allow me to pursue my education, and the atmosphere — I’ll almost feel at home, even though it’s miles away.”

Christiansen, who also played baseball at Palmer, had the unique opportunity of playing in his dad’s program for four years.

“It’s been a blessing,” Christiansen said. “My dad is a pretty irreplaceable individual. He’s got a really unique ability to be a coach and be a dad at the same time. It’s pretty difficult. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Christiansen plans to enter a pre-law program at Concordia.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/matsu_sports.