Lyons is now a Lion.

Quarterback/tight end Jordan Lyons from Woodward Academy in College Park, Ga., verbally committed to Penn State yesterday afternoon shortly after arriving home from his official visit to University Park this weekend.

Upon arriving home from Happy Valley, the 6-foot-5, 225-pound prospect called the Penn State coaching staff to tell them he would commit to play football for the Nittany Lions and head coach Joe Paterno.

"It was spectacular," Lyons said. "The main thing that sold me was probably the player panel. Everyone of the players involved seemed to be doing well and moving up athletically and academically."

Lyons specifically mentioned the input from Penn State quarterback Zack Mills and tight end Issac Smolko as integral to his decision to commit to the Lions. He was also able to meet with fellow Class of 2004 commitments Dan Connor and Greg Harrison, both of whom are currently enrolled at Penn State. Fellow Georgia native Pat Hall was his host for the weekend.

"Penn State is widely acclaimed for its academics and athletics," Lyons said. "I like the fact that Coach Paterno keeps his players disciplined on and off the field. I go to a private school, so I'm used to having to follow strict rules."

The question at this time seems to be where Lyons will be playing on the field when he arrives in the summer. He has a big enough frame to put on added weight and play tight end, but also has the capability to play his natural position, quarterback. Either way, his services are in high demand because Penn State is in need of a quarterback and a tight end in this year's recruiting class.

"[The Penn State coaching staff] said that when I got there I would be given a shot to play quarterback and, if I was the best, I would play there," Lyons said. "If things went poorly, I would be moved to tight end or wide receiver."

Lyons said his preference is quarterback as he threw for 15 touchdowns and more than 1,400 yards in his senior season.

"I'd love to play quarterback," he said. "That's what I've played all my life. I really enjoy playing quarterback."

Lyons boasted more than a half a dozen offers from top programs, including Georgia, Maryland, Michigan State and Stanford. He said Notre Dame said it would offer him a scholarship if he came out to visit the program officially. The Fighting Irish and the Lions became his final two choices.

"Notre Dame's wide receivers coach is coming by my house this evening," Lyons said. "I don't know if I will make the visit to South Bend now. I might, but I can't really tell."

Recruiting service Rivals.com awarded Lyons two out of five stars as an "athlete," indicating he can play more than one position at the college level. In addition, College Sports Network and ESPN recruiting analyst Bill Hodge ranked Lyons as a "SuperProspect."

Recruiting Round Up

Ursuline High School quarterback Daryll Clark was unavailable for comment yesterday. Clark stated late last week he hoped to officially announce his college decision early this week.