Former Northwestern RB Venric Mark Picks West Texas A&M

Venric Mark, who was facing a suspension at Northwestern, has opted to transfer to West Texas A&M to be closer to his family.

Mark, who converted from wide receiver to running back in 2012 and ran for 1,366 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Wildcats, missed most of last season with leg injuries and received an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA as a medical hardship.

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Mark also ran two punts back for touchdowns in 2012, when he was third in the Big Ten in rushing.

Mark was facing a suspension at Northwestern for violating team rules and said he wanted to transfer to a school closer to his home in Texas, citing health issues with his mother and grandmother.

By going to West Texas A&M, a Division II program in Canyon, Texas, Mark will be immediately eligible to play.

"“This is an hour and a half from my mom,” Mark told ESPN.com’s Joe Schad. “It’s the best fit.”"

Mark said he has already practiced with the Buffs, who are ranked 11th in the American Football Coaches Association’s preseason poll.

Last season, West Texas A&M was 11-3, beating Indianapolis and Ohio Dominican on the road in the Division II playoffs before falling to Grand Valley State in the quarterfinals.

Mark said there are no hard feelings at Northwestern.

"“I will get my Northwestern degree,” Mark said. “There is no bad blood with Northwestern at all. Me and Coach Fitz [Pat Fitzgerald] still talk. We are still family.”"

Mark also looked at several FBS programs, including Baylor, Houston, Texas State, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Kansas.

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Former Northwestern RB Venric Mark Chooses West Texas A&M

By Phil Watson | Aug 23, 2014