Junior wide receiver Corey Coleman set a Baylor record for most receiving touchdowns in a season during the Bears’ 62-38 win over West Virginia on Saturday. Coleman hauled in 10 receptions for 199 yards and three touchdowns. His performance gives him 16 touchdowns on the season
He’s consistent. He’s explosive. You get the ball in his hands and he can make some magic happen.” – Seth Russell
Coleman appeared to be in a league of his own on Saturday, as the West Virginia secondary struggled all day to contain the dynamic threat. Junior quarterback Seth Russell found his favorite target early and often in the first half. Coleman collected seven of his 10 receptions before the intermission, racking up 127 yards and two touchdowns in one half.
“The way [Coleman] runs his routes, he’s so dynamic, so explosive, that you have to double team him. That’s maybe the only way you can try and stop him,” Russell said.
Baylor’s receiver proved unstoppable again on Saturday. His second score of the game was a short two-yard pass by Russell to Coleman, giving the junior receiver 14 touchdowns on the season. After the wideout’s second touchdown grab, anticipation began to build around McLane Stadium for what seemed inevitable. Coleman was about to write his name in the history books.
“[Coleman’s] gone out every game and shown what he can do. He’s consistent; he’s explosive; you get the ball in his hands and he can make some magic happen,” Russell said.
He sent fans into a frenzy when he hauled in his second touchdown of the game, early in the second quarter, to move to No. 1 on Baylor’s list for receiving touchdowns in a season.
The previous record (14 receiving touchdowns in a season) was set by Kendall Wright in 2011 over the course of 12 games. Wright, an All-American during his time at Baylor and wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans in the NFL, congratulated Coleman for his accomplishment during the game via Twitter.
Coleman’s showcased his ability to reel off scoring plays with ease against the Mountaineer defense on Saturday. Junior quarterback Seth Russell credited the wide receiver’s production to his “freakishly athletic” skillset. The formidable receiver’s compact frame, combined with his elusiveness and surprising strength presented a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive backs.
Coleman’s performance today prompted West Virginia Head Coach Dana Holgorsen to tab him as the best player in college football.
After the game today, the Richardson native has registered 41 catches, 877 yards, and 16 touchdowns through six games this season. While many would cite his extraordinary athleticism as the reason for his success, head coach Art Briles said passion and anger are what sets him apart the most.
“If they [play man-to-man] then he’s going to catch the ball.” – Art Briles
By surpassing the previous Baylor mark for receiving touchdowns in half as many games for the Bears, Coleman has left many people to speculate about his chances of breaking the all-time NCAA record.
Briles said the remarkable output from Coleman comes as no surprise, as the Bears knew how good the junior could be.
“He’s a hard matchup because he’s very explosive, very passionate and very talented. If they [play man-to-man] then he’s going to catch the ball,” Briles said.
Over the last week, Coleman has garnered support for Heisman Trophy considerations from many experts.
“When you set your goals high, even if you don’t reach them, you land somewhere around it.” – Corey Coleman
At the rate he’s going, the junior receiver would obliterate the old NCAA record and justify his claim to the prestigious award. Coleman isn’t worried about all of the accolades, though.
“My goal was to be the best receiver, best player in college football and I set my goals really high,” Coleman said. “When you set your goals high, even if you don’t reach them, you land somewhere around it.”
Having set the Baylor record today, Coleman acknowledged that the sky is the limit. He will get a chance to edge closer to the national record of 27 receiving touchdowns in a season when the Bears take on Iowa State next Saturday at McLane Stadium.
