Kentucky WR Dekel Crowdus arrested early Sunday morning, according to police report

Kentucky wide receiver and Lexington native Dekel Crowdus was arrested Sunday morning and charged with driving under the influence, marijuana possession and careless driving, according to Lexington Police records.

Update: The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Division of Community Corrections website report was amended later Sunday to remove the three previously listed offenses while still showing Crowdus’ arrest and booking date on Sunday.

Crowdus’ blood alcohol level was listed at .074, according to the initial report, and was arrested by the University of Kentucky Police Department, meaning he was on or near campus when the arrest was made. He was since been released.

Crowdus, 20, is entering his third season at Kentucky as a redshirt sophomore out of Frederick Douglass High School. He was due for a breakout season in 2023, as Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops dubbed him as one of UK’s most reliable wide receivers on the field heading into this season.

“Dekel really took it upon himself to really dial in and really push himself and trying to elevate his game. Be more consistent,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops told reporters in April, via KSR. “He’s only shown flashes and he has the ability. Think he’s been a much more reliable player. Happy for him. I think he’s really worked hard.”

He took a redshirt as a true freshman in 2021 before playing 10 games during the 2022 season. He totaled 71 snaps, having four receptions on six targets for 82 yards to show for it.

Coming out of high school, Crowdus was a four-star recruit and the top-rated wideout in the state of Kentucky. He was the No. 293 overall recruit and No. 43 overall wide receiver, according to the 2021 On3 Industry Rankings, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services.

During spring training, Crowdus’ high school teammate and fellow Kentucky wide receiver Dane Key shared what it’s like to be inside UK’s budding wide receiving corps, and how close this group actually is behind the scenes.

“Me, Barion [Brown], Dekel [Crowdus], Tayvion [Robinson], Brandon White — everyone in that room is always together,” Key said. “There is really a special bond in that room.”

Kentucky football SID Susan Lax stated that the program is “aware of the situation,” and will be “dealing with it internally,” according to WKYT.

Behind Key and Brown, Crowdus was expected to be the third option for the Wildcats this year. That may be in jeopardy following his arrest. If given a second chance, Crowdus has the potential to be a headache for SEC defensive backs and make major contributions to Kentucky’s offensive efforts. If not, the transfer portal will likely be his next option.