Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks has his first ?recruit? for the 2005 Wildcat football team and he couldn?t be happier, as wide receiver Tommy Cook has received approval from the NCAA for a sixth year in order to complete his eligibility.

?I think they (the NCAA) made a great choice and I?m excited about the opportunity to play my sport again,? Cook said. ?I want to say thanks to the (UK) medical staff and (compliance director) Sandy Bell for their work in documenting my situation. Without them this wouldn?t be possible. I also want to thank Coach Brooks for wanting me to come back for a sixth year.?

Cook has missed the 2004 season because of a knee injury sustained in April during the Blue-White Spring Game. He had a broken hand when he reported to UK in 2000.

From 2001-03, Cook played in 34 games, starting 23. During those three seasons he caught 63 passes for 796 yards and six touchdowns. He also has been a stalwart on special teams, totaling 18 tackles and a fumble recovery on punt coverage, and he was a blocker on the 2002 kickoff return unit that helped spring Derek Abney for a pair of kickoff return touchdowns.

?Obviously, this is a win-win situation for Tommy Cook and the University of Kentucky,? Brooks said. ?He is an outstanding young man who has graduated and can now work on an advanced degree. He has great leadership qualities as well as playmaking ability. He will be a big boost to the 2005 Kentucky football team.?

Cook has completed his bachelor?s degree in kinesiology. He will either work toward a second undergraduate degree or begin work on a master?s degree.