For the final installment of the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry, at least for a while, the Longhorns will have one of their most consistent threats in the passing game at its disposal.
A school spokesperson confirmed to the Austin American-Statesman that Jaxon Shipley will be available for the Longhorns against the Aggies Thursday night. The true freshman wide receiver has been sidelined since injuring his knee Oct. 29 against Kansas.
It remains unclear how much action Shipley’s knee -- which was technically a sprained MCL -- will actually allow him to receive.
Despite missing the past three games, Shipley is still second on the team in both receptions (33) and receiving yardage (438), and is tied for most receiving touchdowns with three.
On the other side, the Aggies will be without running back Cyrus Gray, who is still recovering from a stress fracture in his shoulder. Gray came on to the field tonight in street clothes when he was introduced with the senior class. That’s a tough break; you never want to see a senior walk out for his final home game injured.
Gray had 1,045 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns this season. Ben Malena will get the start tonight for the Aggies.