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Oklahoma running back Keith Ford announces he’s transferring

By Patrick Schmidt

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Oklahoma running back Keith Ford announced he is transferring out of the Sooners’ program.

Keith Ford was already suspended indefinitely for violating academic and team rules but now the former five-star running back is no longer a part of the Oklahoma team after announcing his plans to transfer.

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Ford was a five-star recruit in the 2013 class when he was the nation’s No. 24 overall recruit, No. 4 running back and the No. 1 recruit in the state of Texas. The Cypress, TX native didn’t live up to his lofty recruiting ranking as a freshman when he had 23 carries for 134 yards and one touchdown as a freshman.

He saw a bigger workload as a sophomore in 2014 when he had 71 carries for 392 yards and five touchdowns but saw true freshman Samaje Perine pass him on the depth chart. Further, Alex Ross returns after finishing second on the team in rushing and former five-star back Joe Mixon returns after he was suspended for his freshman year.

Ford released the following statement, via Guerin Emig of the Tulsa World:

"“The past 2 years with the Oklahoma Sooners has been a great experience, however after my injury last season I never fully recovered. Since that time I have had a chance to evaluate my role at OU with my family and have decided it is time to start a new chapter. Despite what the suspension was about I am currently academically eligible to transfer according to NCAA rules to another university and have been given a full release by OU. I would like to thank Coach Stoops and Coach [Cale] Gundy for all of their support and I wish the Sooners the best of luck next season.”"

Ford has two years of eligibility remaining and would have to sit out the 2015 season if he transfers to another FBS program.

Next: Top 10 Big 12 Running Backs Entering 2015

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