No. 18 Baylor going bowling without WR Coleman, RB Linwood

AP

WACO, Texas (AP) — All-America receiver Corey Coleman has apparently played his last game for No. 18 Baylor, which also will be without top running back Shock Linwood in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

Coach Art Briles said after practice Saturday that Coleman, a junior who has already said he will bypass his senior year for early entry in the NFL draft, will have hernia surgery Monday and not play Dec. 29 against No. 10 North Carolina in Orlando, Florida.

"We feel like the best thing for him is to go ahead and get the surgery done now," Briles said. "That way he can get on with fulfilling his dream of playing in the NFL."

Linwood, who has 1,329 yards rushing with 10 touchdowns, had surgery last week on a broken bone in his foot.

Coleman was recognized with seniors before the home finale against the Longhorns. He then confirmed after the game that he was indeed planning to turn pro, but said he definitely would play in Baylor's bowl game.

Briles said Coleman dealt with the hernia issue much of the last month of season. Coleman has an FBS-best 20 touchdowns, but had none in Baylor's last four games.

Along with the All-America honors, Coleman won the Biletnikoff Award given to the nation's top receiver. He had 74 catches for a Big 12-leading 1,363 yards.

Freshman quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who started three games, has not recovered enough from a broken bone in his ankle in time to play in the bowl game. Stidham had taken over the starter when top-rated FBS passer Seth Russell suffered a broken bone in his neck.

Chris Johnson started Baylor's final two games, but sustained a concussion in the first quarter of the regular-season finale against Texas. He is expected to be ready to start against the Tar Heels.

Briles expects Linwood, Stidham and Russell to be ready for spring practice, which will likely begin in late February.