Ole Miss defensive tackle and linebacker combo D.T. Shackelford has received good word from the NCAA. Shackelford applied for a rare sixth year of eligibility for the 2014 season and received approval Saturday. Ole Miss announced the decision Saturday via email.
“I’m excited that D.T. plans to return for another year,” said Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze. “He brings great energy and leadership to our defense and is exactly the type of student-athlete we want in our program. I’m grateful to have a senior like him to provide a good example for our young players.”
Shackelford missed two years earlier in his playing career due to knee injuries, but he returned to the lineup for his fifth year of eligibility last season to contribute. Shackelford recorded 44 tackles and 7.5 tackles for a loss with 2.0 sacks. In the Music City Bowl against Georgia Tech Shackelford recorded seven tackles and a sack.
UPDATED 6:40 p.m. ET:An earlier version of this story reported Shackelford was seeking a sixth year, but Ole Miss sent out a second memo with a correction confirming Shackelford has earned a sixth year from the NCAA.