Even though he lives five minutes from University Park, Kevin Suhey remained a mystery man throughout the recruiting process this season.

The State College Area High School quarterback committed to the Penn State football team on Wednesday, bringing the Nittany Lions' 2004 recruiting class to a total of 19, but it's the circumstances around his choosing the Lions that makes Suhey's story even more intriguing.

In a year that saw Penn State's top choice for quarterback, Chad Henne, commit to the Michigan Wolverines, nobody knew that Suhey was even in discussions with the Lions' coaching staff about playing for Penn State.

According to Suhey and his family, it was as early as last April that Jay and Joe Paterno started courting the Little Lions' playcaller.

"[Kevin] was offered to play for Penn State before the season, but we just decided not to say anything," Suhey's mother Carolyn said. "We didn't want a bullseye on his back. We just wanted to let the season take its toll. The [Penn State] coaches aren't allowed to talk about it so as long as the family keeps quiet, how is anyone going to find out? He's kept it quiet. We've been putting people off, not making answers up, but just saying other things."

According to Suhey, he does not have a written offer from Penn State and nothing is final until February's national letter of intent day.

"No written offer has been given to me. Right now it's verbal," Suhey said. "It was never given as a formal thing. It was more or less an understanding between both coach Paternos, myself and my family. Joe said we'd probably be able to work things out."

Suhey remained out of the spotlight for an entire season that saw him throw for 12 touchdowns and 1660 yards, successfully completing 64-percent of his passes.

"Last spring, Jay came into school and talked to [State College Area High School football] Coach Lintal and he mentioned something about offering me then," Suhey said. "Later in April, I met with Joe along with my dad, because they know each other. We talked a little bit and we discussed going to Penn State."

Suhey is a fourth generation Penn State football player. His father Paul played for Penn State in the mid-70's, his grandfather Steve in the 1940's and great-grandfather Bob Higgins coached the Lions in the 1940's.