what makes this story rather interesting, is the fact he can play immediately under new NCAA rules.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -Former Arizona starting quarterback Richard Kovalcheck is transferring to Vanderbilt and will be eligible to play immediately under new NCAA rules, the Commodores announced Friday.



Under new NCAA bylaws, Kovalcheck will be able to play because he has two years of eligibility left and has completed his undergraduate degree.

He'll likely compete to replace Jay Cutler as the Vanderbilt starter in 2006.

Kovalcheck will become the most experienced quarterback on the team after starting a total of eleven games for Arizona during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.

During spring drills, redshirt sophomore Chris Nickson and redshirt freshman Mackenzi Adams were competing for the starting job.

Cutler, the Southeastern Conference offensive player of the year, became the first Vandy quarterback drafted in the first round since Bill Wade in 1952, going to the Denver Broncos with the 11th pick overall.

``This gives our football team more quality depth at a critical position and should create enormous competition at the position,'' coach Bobby Johnson said in a statement.

Kovalcheck started the first seven games for the Wildcats last season, completing 125 of 220 passes for 1,350 yards and 10 touchdowns. He eventually lost his starting spot to freshman Willie Tuitama.