The Big 12's most versatile wide receiver apparently will be adding another responsibility this week.

Texas wide receiver Jordan Shipley already runs back punts and serves as the holder for the Longhorns' kicking game. And with the suspension of D.J. Monroe, Shipley now will be running kickoffs back for the Longhorns when they meet Kansas on Saturday night.

Some coaches might wonder about adding another responsibility for a valuable receiver like Shipley, but Texas coach Mack Brown didn't hesitate.

“Jordan came and begged his way to come in and get his hands on the ball more,” Brown told reporters on Monday. “Some people wonder why you would put a guy like Jordan back there, but he can score every time he touches it.”

Shipley has returned only two kickoffs this season for 38 yards -- both in the Colorado game. But he served as a kick returner last season, averaging 26.3 yards on 15 returns. His most memorable was a 96-yard return for a touchdown against Oklahoma that helped jump-start the Longhorns from an early 11-point deficit in that 45-35 comeback victory.

Monroe was indefinitely suspended Sunday by Brown after he was charged with driving while intoxicated earlier in the morning in Hays County.

The freshman has emerged as a prime weapon in the Longhorns' kicking game, ranking second nationally and leading the Big 12 with an average of 35.8 yards per return. Included in that total were touchdowns against Louisiana-Lafayette and UTEP.

Brown told reporters that Monroe must resolve his legal issues before he can return to the lineup.

"He he has a legal situation to clear up,” Brown said on Monday. “Since his story is different from what has been said by the officer, it would be wrong for any of us to consider him guilty. But he has to get his own attorney and do the legal process. And when I get more information, then I’ll think about it.”

Considering Shipley's productivity -- he's averaging 13.6 yards every time he touches the ball -- the Longhorns kick-return game should be in good shape whether Monroe plays or not.