Dekel Crowdus will make his Kentucky debut in 2022

You will not see high-flying wide receiver Dekel Crowdus in the final games of the 2022 season.

Crowdus’ arrival on campus was one of the most anticipated by a Kentucky pass-catcher in years. A four-star product of Lexington’s Frederick Douglass High School, he brought something to the BBN you can’t teach — speed. Unfortunately, he was slowed down before the start of his freshman season.

Crowdus suffered a knee injury in preseason practice Aug. 12. Initially, many feared it would be a season-ender. Mark Stoops was happy to share days later that Crowdus avoided surgery and could potentially return halfway through the season. Those plans have not materialized.

During his final meeting with the media ahead of Senior Day, Stoops was asked if the receiver could return for a game or two or three to end the season. Kentucky’s head coach said they will wait until next season before playing the speedy receiver.

“We’re looking to next year at this point,” Stoops said, “just with the injury, taking care of his rehab and all that.”

Crowdus was dressed and participating in practice three weeks ago ahead of the Mississippi State game. Even though his prognosis never progressed, he is expected to be ready to roll when his former Frederick Douglass teammate, Dane Key, joins the Wildcats for the 2022 season.

Jordan Wright will return

The havoc creating edge will be back this season, although it’s unlikely to happen on Senior Day. Jordan Wright was nursing a bum ankle when he injured it near the end of the first half in the loss at Mississippi State. He has not played since. In his four-year career Wright has recorded 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, just what the Wildcats need against the Cardinals in the Governor’s Cup.