MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Suspended cornerback Daryl Worley has been cleared to practice by West Virginia University officials, but coach Dana Holgorsen remained vague about the sophomore’s chances of playing in Saturday’s game at Texas Tech.
Worley missed the past two games while facing a misdemeanor battery charge that stems from a nightclub altercation with a female on Sept. 14.
“He’s been cleared to practice, but as far as competition, that’s up in the air,” Holgorsen said Tuesday.
Asked whether Worley’s playing eligibility was at the the discretion of coaches or university administrators, Holgorsen replied: “It’s still up to a lot of people.”
Regarded as one of the Big 12’s most physically gifted cornerbacks, Worley’s return could be crucial against a Texas Tech offense that tops the league in passing attempts and ranks fifth nationally with 17 passing touchdowns. The Mountaineers face another explosive offense next week when Baylor visits.
“He’s been cleared to practice by the university, his legal situation is still up in the air, and that’s all we’re going to comment on at this point,” Holgorsen said. “At this point, he’s in the building, he’s practicing and that’s as far as it goes.”
But is Worley practicing with the scout team or the defense?
“That’s a good question,” Holgorsen said.
Players said Worley has been working out in the weight room during his suspension, and now the coaches will gauge how the layoff has affected him.
“Hopefully we’ll get some mileage out of him (Tuesday) and see where he’s at,” said defensive coordinator Tony Gibson. “Then after whatever decision is made by the higher-ups, we’ll go from there with it.”
West Virginia has forced only one turnover this season aside from Worley’s two interceptions.