LANETT — Springwood senior lineman Chris Ramseur is headed to the state of Maryland.

The 6-foot-3, 290-pound athlete announced his commitment to the Naval Academy on Tuesday night. He made the decision a few days ago after speaking with his family and meditating on it, he said.

“[I feel] relieved,” Ramseur said. “The process is finally over, and I can finally just focus on heading up there.”

Over the last few months, he has taken visits to The Citadel, Jacksonville State, Middle Tennessee State, Troy University and Mercer among other schools. Navy, however, had an unique angle that Ramseur drew too.

“I loved it there,” Ramseur said. “I loved the football and academics. I love everything that they represent. I get the opportunity to serve my country, and play the biggest ball that you can. That’s why I chose it.”

With his commitment, Ramseur will enter the armed forces after graduation unless he goes to the NFL.

“It’s something I thought about, and I’m ready,” he said. “I’m proud to serve my country, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Ramseur and 6-foot-4 senior Sam Leva paired up to lead the Wildcats pass rush this season. He missed a few games in the middle of the season due to knee issues, but finished his high school career with a win against Lee-Scott.

“I’m very happy for him,” Springwood head football coach John Gartman said. “Navy is a very prestigious school. Maybe the most prestigious school in the country because you have a lot of guys going there to play football who are not only great athletes, but very good academically and very good all-around young men. I’m very proud for him.”

Ramseur’s former head coach, Thomas Hill, also offered his support to the senior on social media on Wednesday night.

Although this will be Ramseur’s first time living outside of Alabama since he was a young child, he said that he understands that growing up is about changes. On Wednesday, Ramsuer walked around Springwood’s campus proudly sporting a blue Navy crew neck sweater.

“I just want to thank the Springwood family for accepting me when I first came, and giving me this opportunity to perform on the field and academically, so that I could get this opportunity” he said.

The Wildcats missed the playoffs with a 4-6 record in Gartman’s first season with the team. After getting off to a 2-0 start, Springwood dealt with injuries from key players Ramseur, Leva and O.J. Tolbert throughout the year.