Jaxon Shipley Nominated for Geico Play of the Year

By Lynn Freehill in Sports on October 10, 2011 at 12:12 pm | No Comments

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Did you see Texas top Iowa State two weekends ago? Just as importantly, did you witness Jaxon Shipley’s big score?

Time to witness—or relive—it in all its complicated glory.

On this 40-yard touchdown, running back Fozzy Whittaker took the snap from the shotgun and handed the ball off to an already-moving Shipley. Shipley tossed it backwards to quarterback David Ash. Ash aimed a long touchdown pass back to Shipley, who by then was rocketing down the right sideline. He dodged coverage, caught the pass, recovered instantly, and streaked like a bullet into the end zone.

Texas won the game handily, at 37-14, and Shipley—a true freshman—posted some impressive stats. He finished with six catches for 141 yards and one touchdown, and his performance marked the 13th 100-yard receiving game by a freshman in school history.

Now Shipley’s play has been nominated for Geico Play of the Year. It is first competing for fan favorite against three other plays from Week Five: a diving touchdown catch from Wisconsin’s Jared Abbrederis, a game-winning touchdown catch from BYU’s Marcus Mathews, and a big hit and fumble recovery from Syracuse’s Ri’Shard Anderson and Dyshawn Davis.

The Shipley family has long since proven itself easy for Texas fans to love. Jaxon’s older brother Jordan was, of course, an All-American at UT. Now, with Jaxon Shipley making some terrific plays, the depth of Shipley appreciation can only increase.

Through Oct. 16, vote for Shipley’s play here. The Play of the Year will be announced Nov. 25.

Tags: geico play of the year, jaxon shipley, texas football