VAUGHT: Yeast wants to help UK

Kentucky’s all-time leading receiver, Craig Yeast, admits he was surprised when the Hamilton Tiger Cats released him in July. However, he’s now planning to turn the apparent end of his football career into something positive.

Yeast, who briefly considered trying to coach high school football this season, plans to enroll at Kentucky in January to start work toward completing his degree. “I have about 30 to 35 hours to finish my degree. I am not that far away and should have already done it,” Yeast said. “But since I am finally home and pretty much retired from football, it’s time to finish my degree up at the University of Kentucky.”

He’s also hoping to find a way to help with the UK football program. “I have mentioned it to folks at UK, but there’s nothing serious yet,” Yeast said. “I talked to Mr. (Mitch) Barnhart about coming back to school and getting involved. I have mentioned it to (UK offensive coordinator) Joker (Phillips) and he told me as soon as I was ready to make the move to come see him and he would try to help get something worked out. I have not had a chance to mention it to coach (Rich) Brooks, but from all I have heard I think he would be receptive as well.

“I think there are things I can bring back to the program. I also feel it is important for former players to be more involved with the football program at Kentucky. The program is back moving forward. I would love to have a chance to help be part of that.”