Corey Coleman coming out in the 2016 NFL Draft
Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Breckyn Hager (44) tackles Baylor Bears wide receiver Corey Coleman (1) during the second half at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Baylor Bears receiver Corey Coleman announed Saturday that he will enter the 2016 NFL Draft.
Coleman is a redshirt junior that still had a season of eligibility remaining if he chose to use it. But he leads the nation with 20 touchdown catches while he has 67 receptions for a Big 12-leading 1,314 yards this season. Coleman’s big-time production makes him a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the nation’s top college receiver.
He is also universally projected to be picked in the first round in May so this shouldn’t be a surprise. The first hint of his decision was when he was recognized before the game along with 19 seniors playing their final home games. As usual, with players making such a decision, it’s a difficult time filled with emotion as Coleman recognized.
He told ESPN, “Every time I think about the decision, I get really sad because I love this place. I’m just thankful in coach [Art] Briles for believing in me.”
And Briles told ESPN, “I think he’ll play in the bowl game, and then he’s going to move on, which we’re all in support of. He’s done a great job for this university and this football program for four years.”
Coleman’s stature and skill-set are in very close proximity to that of Buffalo Bills receiver Percy Harvin.
There are a lot of teams in the NFL that use such a player.