Former University of Kentucky wide receiver Gerad Parker has returned to his alma mater as a graduate assistant coach, UK Coach Rich Brooks has announced.

Parker will be the graduate assistant for offense, with his duties including analysis of opponent film, preparing scouting reports, conducting ?self scout? of UK tendencies, overseeing the offensive scout team, and assisting with on-campus recruiting. He also will help coach the Wildcat wide receivers.

?I?m really happy to get a former Wildcat back after coaching in high school the last two years,? Brooks said. ?Gerad will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the job and will be a great asset to (offensive coordinator) Joker Phillips and the offensive staff.?

Parker has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach at Raceland (Ky.) High School, guiding the receivers and defensive backs. In Parker?s first season at Raceland, the Rams went 7-4 and reached the state playoffs in Class A. In 2006, the Rams improved to 11-2 and advanced to the third round (quarterfinals) of the playoffs.

Parker was a four-year letterman for Kentucky (2001-04). His best season came as a senior when he caught 15 passes for 168 yards. Having overcome numerous injuries during his career, his teammates voted him UK?s Most Inspirational Player following his senior year. Also an outstanding student, Parker was a three-year member of the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll and in 2004 was voted second-team Academic All-District IV by the College Sports Information Directors of America. He was selected for the Frank G. Ham Society of Character by UK Athletics.

After his playing career, Parker stayed on as a UK graduate assistant for spring practice in 2005 before accepting the coaching and teaching position at Raceland. Having already completed his bachelor?s degree in secondary education and his master?s in teaching, Parker plans to work on another master?s degree or get additional teaching certifications during his new term at Kentucky.

?I?ve always believed in Kentucky football and in what Coach Brooks and Coach Phillips are doing,? Parker said of his decision to return to UK. ?This is an opportunity for a great learning experience, to learn at the highest level and become a better coach.?

Parker said that his two years at Raceland taught him a lot.

?To be able to teach and coach, you have to know it 10 times better than they do,? Parker said. ?Each player has his own way of learning, and you have to find the way that each player learns. As a coach, technical knowledge is important, but you have to be able to teach it.?

Born in Huntington, W. Va., Parker became the all-time leading receiver in Kentucky history at Lawrence County High School with 238 career receptions, 4,814 yards and 52 touchdowns. He is married to the former Kandi Brown, who was an all-state basketball player and member of the 2000 West Carter HS state champion team.