"With a touchdown catch against the Seattle Seahawks this weekend, Vernon Davis would break a 49ers record that has stood for more than 35 years.

Somehow, though, Ted Kwalick will cope.

"I didn't even know I had a record," he said with a laugh.

Kwalick had nine touchdown catches in 1972, a season mark for 49ers tight ends. He was sure that Brent Jones had broken it, but Jones only tied it in 1994.

Davis added his name to the nine-TD club last week, continuing an astounding breakout season for the former No. 6 overall pick. With five games remaining, including Sunday's game at Qwest Field, his place as the 49ers' lone record-holder seems assured.

That's fine with Kwalick, who lives in Santa Clara. For one thing, he is a Davis fan and admires the athleticism he brings to the position.

For another, Kwalick has a profound appreciation for Davis' difficult career path.

He, too, was a ballyhooed first-round draft pick who failed to deliver in his early seasons. The 49ers took the All-American from Penn State with the No. 7 pick in 1969, but he had two catches as a rookie and only 10 the following season.

"I thought I would step in and play right away," he said, "but the NFL is a rude awakening.''

Kwalick said teammate John Brodie once told him that tight end is the second-hardest position to learn, after quarterback. A tight end must learn not only the nuances of passing routes but also the blocking assignments for the running game.

Those two, along with receiver Gene Washington and other offensive players, would meet at Brodie's house every Wednesday night to go over game film.

It took three seasons of study, but Kwalick's light went on in 1971. It all came together the next season. With Washington on the outside beating people deep, Kwalick sprang loose for career highs in touchdowns, receiving yards (751) and average yards per catch (18.8)."