MISSOULA, Mont. – The NCAA has granted another year of athletic eligibility to former University of Montana cornerback Jimmy Wilson, who was acquitted of murder charges in the June 2007 shooting death of his aunt’s boyfriend.

Wilson, 23, plans to join the Griz again this fall, Montana executive vice president Jim Foley said Monday.

“I thank God for the opportunity to further my education,” Wilson said in a statement released by the school. “I am thankful to the coaches and (athletic department staff) for helping me with the waiver process. I am excited I have the chance to compete again in the classroom and on the field as a Grizzly.”

Wilson was jailed in California for two years until he was acquitted last July in the shooting death of Kevin Smoot in Lancaster, Calif. Since then, he has been living and working in southern California.

Wilson contacted Montana about re-enrolling and asked that the school petition the NCAA for restoration of his senior season.

“The legal system has run its course, and we agree with the outcome that was achieved,” said Montana president George Dennison. “We relish this opportunity to help this student-athlete get his life back on track with an education at the University of Montana.”