Viks' Chalich commits to Idaho

COEUR d'ALENE - Chad Chalich was the recipient of a giant hug from Robb Akey on Sunday night - the first of what he hopes are many from the University of Idaho football coach in the next few years.

Chalich, a senior who quarterbacked the Coeur d'Alene Vikings to state 5A football championships the past two seasons, gave a verbal commitment to Akey to play football for the Vandals during a home visit Sunday night.

"He was real excited - he said it made his day," Chalich said. "I was real excited too."

The 6-foot-1 Chalich completed 242 of 331 passes for 3,641 yards and 42 touchdowns, with two interceptions, this season. As a junior, he was 209 of 342 for 2,844 yards, 32 TDs and 10 interceptions, and was named 5A Player of the Year by The Idaho Statesman newspaper of Boise.

He holds Coeur d'Alene career records in passing yards, passing touchdowns, passing attempts and total offense, among other marks.

Chalich, who was offered the full-ride scholarship by Akey three weeks ago, had offers to walk on at Boise State and Utah. Montana was also interested.

"I wanted to be part of a team that wanted me to be there," he said. "It's close to home, so my family and friends and supporters can come watch."

For the visit, Akey brought along John McDonell, Vandal offensive line coach whose recruiting territory includes North Idaho.

Chalich suffered a hairline fracture in his right foot in the first half of Coeur d'Alene's victory over Capital of Boise in the state semifinals. He played on it in the title game vs. Eagle, and passed for 410 yards and three touchdowns, and ran for two more, in a 49-28 victory.

His foot was in a cast the week before the game, then re-casted after the game.

Chalich said his foot will remain in a cast for another three weeks, then it will be placed in a walking boot for 1-2 weeks. He hopes to return to the Viking basketball team - where he is a returning starter at post - by early January. He'd like to be able to play in the Fight for the Fish game at home vs. Lake City on Jan. 6.

Despite his verbal commitment, Chalich still plans to take his official recruiting visit to Idaho the weekend of Dec. 9-10. So does Viking defensive end/wide receiver Deon Watson, who was also visited by Akey on Sunday, but has yet to commit. Watson also has a scholarship offer from Washington State.

Verbal commitments are non-binding. Official letters of intent for football can be signed beginning Feb. 1.