COLEMAN COULD BE LOST FOR SEASON.

Byline: Billy Witz Staff Writer

UCLA defensive end Kenyon Coleman, the Bruins' senior captain and possible first-round NFL draft pick, will undergo arthroscopic surgery today to remove torn cartilage from his left knee and could be lost for the season.

Coleman suffered the injury early in Saturday's 23-20 victory over Michigan and continued to play. However, an MRI Sunday afternoon revealed the tear of his meniscus cartilage.

The extent of the damage won't be known until today's surgery, but Coleman will be out a minimum of three to four weeks, said UCLA coach Bob Toledo. If Coleman is out for the season, he does have a redshirt year available and could use it because he has not played in more than three games.

Coleman, who is 6-foot-6, 278 pounds, was promoted by UCLA on the cover of its media guide and is on the watch list for the Bronco Nagurski Award, given to the top defensive player in the nation. Toledo referred to him as ``probably our best player.''

However, in UCLA's surprising 3-0 start, Coleman hasn't been much of a factor. He is 10th on the team with just six tackles, no sacks and one tackle for loss.

Stepping into the starting role is Sean Phillips, a 6-foot-5, 294-pound sophomore who has been among the second stringers on the defensive line who have played well early in the season.