Northwestern RB Venric Mark can return for fifth season

Published Jan. 21, 2014 6:44 p.m. ET

foxsports

EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern says running back Venric Mark has been granted a medical hardship waiver by the Big Ten and is eligible to return for a fifth season in 2014.

The school announced the decision on Tuesday.

Mark, who played as a true freshman in 2010, was limited to three games last season because of injuries. He broke an ankle against Wisconsin on Oct. 12 and missed the remainder of the year.

Mark rushed for 1,366 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, and he ranks fourth all-time at Northwestern with 4,271 all-purpose yards.