Unfortunately for the Ole Miss football program, there was a very good reason why there wasn’t a lot of optimism when it came to D.T. Shackelford‘s injury.
By way of KYLE VEAZEY of the JACKSON CLARION-LEDGER (remembered this time, Kyle), the Rebels have confirmed early this afternoon that the junior linebacker has been diagnosed with a torn ACL.
As a result of the injury, Shackelford will be sidelined for 6-8 months. The optimistic end of that prognosis would have him back in October, while the less optimistic timeline would, in essence, end his 2011 season before it even started.
The injury occurred during positional drills at Monday’s practice, and an MRI performed Tuesday has confirmed the team’s worst fears.
Head coach Houston Nutt and others are expected to address the devastating news later Tuesday.
As a sophomore in 2010, Shackelford played in 12 games, starting six of them. He led the team in sacks with five, and finished second with nine tackles for loss.