Texas WR Shipley granted sixth year

Dec 23, 2008 - 3:57 PM AUSTIN, Texas (Ticker) -- Texas wide receiver Jordan Shipley, who missed the entire 2004 and 2005 seasons due to knee and hamstring injuries, has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA.

The decision, which was handed downed Monday night, means that Shipley will return to Texas as a senior for the 2009 season.

"It is definitely a blessing to be able to play one more season at Texas," Shipley said. "This is such a great place, and I've had an unbelievable experience. Obviously, it started slow due to the injuries, but I couldn't be happier with the NCAA's decision to give me one of those years back."

A key cog in Texas' potent offense, the speedy receiver was named a third-team All-America this season after posting a career-high 79 receptions for 982 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Shipley also returned a punt and a kickoff for a TD during the season, becoming just the fourth Longhorn to accomplish that feat.

"It was so disappointing for him as he fought through injuries and wasn't able to play his first two years, but he never wavered," Texas coach Mack Brown said. "He continued to work hard and stayed positive through it all and has become a tremendous player for us. His efforts should inspire those who are going through tough times, that if you stick with it, you can overcome that adversity.

Shipley ranks eighth on Texas' all-time list with 122 career receptions for 1,628 yards and 20 TDS.

"Jordan's a great student and athlete who also is a tremendous role model in the community," Brown added. "He is a guy who represents everything that is good about college football, so he certainly is deserving of being rewarded by getting the year back."

The third-ranked Longhorns (11-1) face No. 10 Ohio State (10-2) in the Fiesta Bowl on January.