"I can work with receivers and quarterbacks on the passing game. I don't know everything about playing quarterback, but I know plenty about running routes, body posture, footwork and all that goes with being a good receiver," Yeast said.
He plans to build Craig Yeast Elite Skills Consulting into a full-time business by next football season.
"I want to help both teams and individuals. I want the opportunity to work with kids on an individual basis if that is what they want, but I also want to go around and work with teams as well," Yeast, who now lives and works in Danville, said. "This is something I have been trying to build on slowly. I am not in a hurry. I just want to do it right."
He worked with the Mercer County and Marion County football teams earlier this year. He contacted numerous area coaches, but realizes many may not have responded to his e-mails because they weren't aware of what he wanted to do.
"Some coaches probably disregarded it thinking it was a hoax or something. It was good to just do a few schools and see how things went," Yeast said.
Passing attack
Yeast says a successful passing attack can help any team because the best athletes like to throw and catch.
"The days of just lining up and running the ball down people's throats is not as attractive as it used to be. Most kids want be to quarterbacks or receivers. They want to throw, catch and score touchdowns like they see on TV," Yeast said. "Maybe in a small way, I can help them do that."
He's searching for the right spot to build an indoor facility in Danville so he can start working with players as young as second- or third-graders.
"I want to teach kids speed training that can be built into the right football fundamentals when they are older," Yeast said. "But I could also help a lineman with his footwork. My dream is an indoor, multipurpose facility for all ages and all sizes, so no matter what they want to work on, they can."
Yeast knows he can be more specific and demanding with older players, but still be positive.
"You don't have to cuss and shout. I am very enthusiastic. I am very up tempo. That is what I teach," Yeast said. "If one kid is not working, I will say something to that kid. I will not degrade or put him down, but I am going to let him know, and his team know, that he is not working as hard as the rest of them.
"I have played college level and at the professional level. I am not going to tell them things to hurt them. I want them get to the next level, and I truly believe I can help kids do that."
