The dining commons may never be the same after Floyd Wedderburn steps on campus next fall --and there's nothing the Office of Housing and Food Service Operations can do about it.

After much speculation, Wedderburn, one of the nation's most recruited lineman from Upper Darby, made a verbal commitment Wednesday night to attend Penn State. The high school senior is a first-team All-American tackle. He's 6-foot-7, 330-pounds and he can put away his fair share of food, too.

"Our taxes are going to go up when Floyd starts eating up there," Upper Darby Coach Jack Shingle said jokingly.

Wedderburn has not yet qualified to play as a freshman under Proposition 48. He currently holds a 2.8 in core courses. The prep football sensation, who came to Pennsylvania from Jamaica before the start of his freshman year, still needs to take the SAT's. Shingle said he is being tutored for the English portion of the test.

Once he does arrive at University Park, Wedderburn said he is anxious to meet the challenges of obtaining a college education.

"The academic program at Penn State is nice," he said. "If I go up there and do what I'm supposed to do, I know I'll get my degree."

Shingle, who coached former Penn Staters John Cappelletti (1973 Heisman Trophy winner) and Todd Rucci, said Wedderburn brings a well-developed game to the gridiron.

"He's definitely done things that people aren't supposed to be able to do," Shingle said. "We played him at every position on the line, including defensive end. Floyd has learned to use his grace and agility."

Shingle attributes Wedderburn's football success to his prowess on the hardwood.

"Basketball has really helped develop him," he said. "I wanted him to learn how to run. You learn to get your eyes real wide in basketball."

Although his eyes get real wide when he chases after offensive players, Wedderburn is capable of holding his own on the offensive line as well. In the 40-yard dash, the panther-like lineman has been timed at 4.8 seconds.

Wedderburn received the Maxwell Award, which goes to the area's top prep player. However, the 17-year-old doesn't put much stock in personal accolades.

"I think I'm a team player," he said. "I play a part and I play for the guy next to me. I would like to play defense at Penn State, but wherever they feel is best for me, I'll play."

Right now, Wedderburn isn't worried about playing football. Now that his decision has been made, the USA Today All-American is just enjoying his final year of high school.

The first-team Big School all-stater chose Penn State over a variety of Division I powerhouses, including Syracuse, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State. For Wedderburn, the choice to play inside Beaver Stadium was rather easy.

"My folks wanted to see me play close to home," he said. "Penn State is a great school. There are a lot of nice people up there.

He'll also get a chance to sample some of the food in the dining commons.