Linwood says Baylor's stable of backs must check ego at the door

This stands to be a huge year for Baylor junior running back Shock Linwood. He's gunning for a second consecutive 1,000-yard season to pad his NFL resume.

So it's interesting that it's Linwood coming out and telling Baylor's stable of rushers, himself included, to check their egos at the locker room door. Baylor coach Art Briles plans to institute a rotation between Linwood, Terence Williams and Devin Chafin with the idea of keeping all of his tailbacks healthy and as fresh as possible for the end of the season, which No. 4 Baylor believes can end in the College Football Playoff.

Linwood, who topped 1,200 yards with 16 touchdowns last season, could easily get upset if he gets fewer carries than he feels he deserves, but he's apparently fully on board with Briles' plan.

"Whenever you get your name called, you have to take those reps like you're the starter," Linwood told reporters earlier this week. "You can't be upset that you're not getting as many touches. But when you are out there, you have to perform. It doesn't matter who's starting.

"A couple players feel like they need to be out there more than the other. But you can't have that on the team. We had to address it and let them know you can't do that. We're a team, and we're going to have a rotation. For us to be a national contending team, we have to be good teammates toward each other."

There should be plenty of opportunity for all three running backs Saturday when the Bears open the home schedule against Lamar.

(h/t Dallas Morning News)