The Nittany Lions have lost their prize quarterback recruit. Bethlehem Catholic high school senior Dan Kendra backed out of his verbal commitment to Penn State late Thursday and is headed to Florida State.

"The decision was made in his best interest," said his father, Dan Kendra II, who played for Seminoles Coach Bobby Bowden at West Virginia from 1974 to 1977. "We're backing him 100 percent. That's all I'll say until February 1st."

Feb. 1 is the first day high school seniors are allowed to sign a national letter of intent. Under NCAA rules, no coach can officially comment on the status of recruits until that date.

Kendra's father said that his son will not comment on his decision until Feb. 1.

Bethlehem Catholic Coach Bob Stem, who has sent many players to Divison I programs, is angry with Kendra and his decision.

"I'm big on commitments," Stem said. "When you make a commitment, either written or verbal, you stick by it. It's as simple as that."

Kendra was named the 1994 high school player of the year by ESPN and USA Today, and is considered by many as the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the nation.

Kendra's list of prospective schools included West Virgina, Notre Dame, North Carolina, Florida State and Penn State.

On Dec. 7, Kendra told Penn State Coach Joe Paterno and Offensive Coordinator Fran Ganter that he was headed to Happy Valley.

"I worked up the plus and minuses for Florida State and Penn State," Kendra said in December after his conversation with Paterno. "Penn State was the better place. In the back of my mind I've always wanted to go there."

Given several weeks to rethink his decision, Kendra may not have been comfortable with it, Stem said. One possible reason for Kendra's change of mind was that he felt the Florida State offense would be better suited for him, Stem added.

"It seems now Danny would fit in better at Florida State, but in December it was at Penn State," Stem said. "In December, he wanted to go to Penn State, and he was happy that he was going to Penn State."

In December, Kendra became the 13th player to commit to Penn State this year. He followed McKeesport offensive guard/linebacker Brandon Short, Pennsylvania's Big School player of the year.

Kendra's decision may now have an impact on Penn State's recruiting opportunities. The Lions now only have one commitment from a quarterback -- Kevin Thompson from Damascus, Md.

"I think it'll definitely affect recruiting," Stem said. "Once Danny gave his word, I'm sure Penn State backed off of other quarterbacks."

Regardless of this recent development, Penn State should have an excellent freshman class next season.

"I'm sorry for him and for Penn State that he changed his mind," Stem said. "But Penn State is going to survive."