[This article appeared in the 6/14/02 issue of Irish Today]

Notre Dame, like almost everyone else in the country, has extended an offer to San Diego signal caller Richard Kovalcheck.

The St. Augustine QB stands 6-3, 212 and runs a 4.7-forty. He is not an option quarterback, but a mobile drop back passer.

I had the opportunity to talk with his coach, Jerry Ralph, this week.

"Absolutely great kid, he's the real deal," Coach Ralph said. "He makes all the throws and he comes from a quality family. He's been offered by every major program."

Naturally, I asked if Richard was interested in the Irish.

"He is interested in Notre Dame," Ralph said.  "The coaches [at Notre Dame] have done an awesome job recruiting him. They do their research."

What's Kav's greatest asset?

"He throws on the run better than any quarterback in the nation - that's what the coaches that are recruiting him tell me," Ralph answered.

As a sophomore, Kovalcheck completed over 60-percent of his passes and over the past two seasons he has thrown 50 TDs compared to only 11 INTs. Barring injury, he should break almost every San Diego passing record.