EL PASO, Texas (KFOX 14, CBS4) — Defensive back Solo Barnes is back on UTEP campus and is enrolled in classes after being granted a temporary restraining order to return to school for a fifth year.
Barnes racked up 66 tackles and two interceptions with the Miners last season. Barnes tried out for New Orleans Saints this offseason.
The status of Barnes hitting the field is still uncertain. Last week the Mountain West, similarly to numerous other conferences, passed a ruling prohibiting professional athletes from returning to school.
“We’re not out of the woods yet,” UTEP head coach Scotty Walden said. “He is in the building and around the team. His status remains unknown, but he is preparing like he is going to step on the grass.”
Walden went on to add that he is unsure whether or not Barnes will make the trip to Oklahoma for Friday’s season opener.