Former Northwestern running back Venric Mark has transferred to West Texas A&M to be closer to his family in Houston.
"This is an hour and half from my mom," Mark told ESPN.com. "It's the best fit."
Northwestern suspended Mark for the first two games of the season for an undisclosed violation of team rules and instead of serving the suspension, Mark, a fifth-year senior, elected to transfer. Because he is transferring to an FCS school, he will be eligible to play immediately.
Mark, who was granted a fifth year of eligibility after missing most of last season with an injury, did not give the reasons for his departure from Northwestern except to cite health issues with his mother and grandmother.
"There is no bad blood with Northwestern at all," said Mark, who noted he still plans to get his degree from Northwestern. "Me and Coach Fitz still talk. We are still family."
Mark said he did receive interest from FBS schools such as Baylor, Houston, Texas Tech, Kansas and Oklahoma State, but didn’t want to take a chance that he wouldn’t get a waiver from the NCAA to play immediately.
In 2012, Mark was named All-America as a punt returner and second team All-Big Ten as a running back with 1,366 yards and 12 touchdowns.
For more Northwestern news, visit WildcatReport.com.
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