NFL Draft week sometimes runs quiet, however one thing went sideways for one among this yr’s high prospects.
Most gamers spend these ultimate days locked into staff conferences and ready by the cellphone. Zachariah Department spent his Sunday morning in an Athens jail cell as a substitute.
Georgia star Zachariah Department arrested in Athens
The previous Georgia Bulldogs broad receiver, projected as a Day 2 choice, was arrested early Sunday in Athens and confronted two misdemeanor expenses. The costs included obstructing public sidewalks or streets (listed beneath prowling) and obstruction of a legislation enforcement officer.
NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero obtained the police report concerning Department’s incident, which alleged the receiver failed “to adjust to a number of verbal lawful instructions.”
The Athens-Clarke County arrest log confirmed Department was booked at 1:26 a.m. He posted a $39 bond and walked out at 3:44 a.m.
According to the laws in Georgia, an individual could be charged in the event that they block a sidewalk or road deliberately or recklessly. The legislation focuses on whether or not the blockage makes the trail unusable or creates a threat for others. If somebody refuses to maneuver after being requested by an officer, the scenario escalates beneath the statute.
Department’s Georgia season drew NFL Draft consideration
Department entered the draft as one of many extra intriguing receiver prospects within the class. He ran a 4.35-second 40-yard sprint on the scouting mix and turned heads after transferring from USC to Georgia.
In 2025, he broke the Bulldogs’ single-season reception report with 81 catches. He completed the yr with 811 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns throughout 14 video games whereas incomes All-SEC honors.
His resume carried weight earlier than he ever suited up in Athens. At USC in 2023, Department received the Jet Award because the nation’s high returner. He earned Freshman All-American honors and All-Pac-12 recognition that very same season.
He led the FBS with 20.8 yards per punt return whereas contributing as a receiver and kick returner. He performed 12 video games in 2024 earlier than touchdown at Georgia for his ultimate school season.
