Auburn High School all-state lineman Nick Lepak verbally committed to Syracuse University last Friday, putting to rest months of speculation as to which school the 6-foot-4, 325 pound standout would suit up in after he graduates in June.

"I'm really happy about it," Lepak said. "I was dwelling on it for the last week or two. I sat down and thought about it for awhile and I just felt the most comfortable there. They offer the education that I want and I know the coach, so I'm really excited about it."

Several Division I teams expressed interest in Lepak over the last couple of seasons, most notably Central Florida, Penn State and Rutgers University.

In the end, he went with the school closest to home.

"It'll be a really good thing, I think," Lepak said. "My family and friends will be more able to come to the games."

The Maroons' senior plans to study criminal justice and biology at Syracuse as well as help anchor an Orange line, offensive or defensive, that could use help. Despite joining a team that has only won five of its last 24 games, dating back to 2005, Lepak is positive about his selection.

"(Their record the last couple of years) is a little disappointing, but with the players that are coming in and the players that are there now, I think the team will be a force to reckon with," Lepak said. "It's been a few years since they had that team, when (quarterback) Donovan (McNabb) was there, but I think they can get back to that."

The last Maroon to play for the Orange was linebacker Brian Hooper, in the early 2000s.

Lepak will sign his formal letter of intent on February 7.

Read the full report in Thursday's edition of The CItizen.