Chuck Carlton

Archive | E-mail

Texas receiver Jordan Shipley searched deep inside himself during those two years in injury exile.

He had little choice and plenty of time to think.

"Sometimes, when you play in a place like this, football becomes your identity and kind of becomes who you are," Shipley said. "When that's taken away, I had to figure out that's what I do, not who I am."

Somehow, Shipley discovered what was really important and improbably found his way back to the football field.

In Saturday's AT&T Red River Rivalry, he might be the most dangerous player at the Cotton Bowl, ahead of last year's Heisman Trophy winner and Heisman runner-up.

Shipley enters the game tied for second nationally in catches per game (9.4) and is the first Texas player to record at least 10 receptions in three consecutive games.

Shipley also has excelled as a punt returner, averaging 18.9 yards with two touchdowns in five games. His dual-threat capabilities have started to generate Heisman buzz.

"Every time he touches the ball, you feel like something special can happen," UT quarterback and good friend Colt McCoy said.

Ask Oklahoma.

In last season's game, Shipley helped turn momentum with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown immediately after the Sooners took a 14-3 lead. He added 11 catches as offensive coordinator Greg Davis resurrected his "flex" offense.

Just a couple of years ago, Shipley faced an uncertain future.

Knee and hamstring injuries took away the 2004 and 2005 seasons for the former Burnet High School All-American.

Texas coach Mack Brown said he nearly advised Shipley to give up football.

Instead, Shipley, a member of the Church of Christ, examined his spiritual side, wondering about the meaning of life and existence.

"At the time, it's hard to see what's coming," Shipley said. "I didn't have any idea if I would make it back to feeling good again. I knew all I could do was work hard and have faith. I feel there's a reason for what happened to me."