NITS PICKED

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, January, 2006 | by Rob Parent and Keith Pompey

Once his angst passed yesterday, Pat Devlin's sense of magnetism took over.

Devlin, the Pennsylvania all-state quarterback at Downingtown East High, made an oral commitment to Penn State after an enjoyable if somewhat stressful weekend visit to the Happy Valley campus. He said it's likely he will make it official next Wednesday, the first day of the NCAA signing period.

"I'm real excited about going to Penn State," Devlin said. "I can't wait to get up there and show everybody what I can do."

Maybe Devlin didn't realize the profound effect his name has already had on Penn State's program.

In the days following his call to Nittany Lions coach Joe Paterno at about 8:30 p.m. Monday, Devlin has become a hero to Penn State fans and chat-room cheerleaders....