Former Warren Central standout wide receiver Lonnell Dewalt has chosen to attend Division II North Alabama instead of returning to the University of Kentucky this fall.

Dewalt attended Kentucky in 2004 after being an all-state football and basketball player at Central. But he was suspended for academic reasons after his freshman season and went to Northeast Mississippi Community College last year.

He originally hoped to return to UK, but instead chose North Alabama.

&#8220(Dewalt) is a big UK fan and wanted to go back, so I’m sure there’s a little disappointment that’s not going to happen,” Central basketball coach Tim Riley said. &#8220But he seems to be real tickled with North Alabama. There’s no melancholy about it.”

In order to be eligible at UK, Dewalt needed to earn 12 more credits this summer at Northeast Mississippi. Dewalt needs only three credits this summer to be eligible at North Alabama.

The 6-foot-6 Dewalt made some impact at UK during his freshman year, catching 11 passes for 122 yards. Dewalt also blocked a UK-record seven kicks.

North Alabama, located in Florence, Ala., and about 185 miles from Bowling Green, has an offense that seemingly suits Dewalt.

Three UNA receivers finished with at least 800 receiving yards last year and North Alabama averaged almost 270 yards through the air each game.

&#8220He gets an incredible amount of touches down there,” Riley said. &#8220The ultimate goal for (Dewalt) is to have a shot to play in the NFL. And if he’s good enough there, they’ll find him.”

According to Riley, no decision has been made regarding Dewalt and basketball. Dewalt didn’t play basketball at UK but played at Northeast Mississippi.

&#8220He loves to play basketball, I know that,” Riley said. &#8220And he’s talked about playing.”