Signing Day has passed but Arkansas has already landed its first oral commitment for 2009.

Fayetteville High junior Colby Berna (6-4, 270 ) pledged to play for the football Razorbacks Thursday afternoon in Bulldog Gym, describing himself as the “ first block in the foundation” for Arkansas’ 2009 signing class. The Bulldogs’ bookend manned the left offensive tackle position for Fayetteville’s 2007 Class 7 A state championship team.

Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino offered the scholarship on Jan. 12, taking Berna by surprise.

“ I was shocked, ” Berna said. “ That was the first time I ever talked to Coach Petrino and he’s offering me a scholarship. I was shaking. I didn’t what to think.

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“ It feels great. I’m honored to be the first one. I’m glad they offered me so early. I felt like being the first commit I would be able to help with the 2009 class and talk to people and help the coaches recruit and get people in. ”

Along with the opportunity to be an ambassador for the program, Berna said the allure of home-cooked meals factored into his decision to matriculate locally.

Fayetteville coach Daryl Patton likened Berna to former Rogers’ lineman Lee Ziemba, who started at offensive tackle for Auburn.

“ Colby is a very dominant lineman, ” Patton said. “ When I talked to other coaches they all said No. 54 was a man. He’s got great feet. He’s physical and he finishes off plays. ”