[Nerull]

If you want to go more combat-oriented, but still want to keep spellcasting, go with a cleric. They can use heavy armor, you can take Weapon Proficiency-Martial to have them use the stronger Martial Weapons, and the healing helps at lower levels. Also, their spell list have some decent offensive spells at higher levels (Harm, Destruction, Fire Storm, Implosion, Storm of Vengeance, etc.). The defensive spells are great (Spell Resistance, Regenerate, Aura v.s. Alignment, etc.). The Animal domain gives you stronger summons, and some of the other domains (air, earth, fire, death, healing, sun) are strong.