Oklahoma RB Keith Ford to transfer

Oklahoma RB Keith Ford to transfer

Published May. 13, 2015 2:33 p.m. ET

The strong Oklahoma running game took a hit Wednesday when Keith Ford said he transferring.

The junior was suspended earlier this spring for team violations as well as academics.

"The past two years with the Oklahoma Sooners has been a great experience," Ford said in a statement quoted by The Oklahoman. "However, after my injury last season, I never fully recovered. Since that time, I have had a chance to evaluate my role and have decided it is time to start a new chapter."

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Ford suffered a broken leg against Tennessee last season. He missed five games and when he returned, he fell behind Samaje Perine on the depth chart. Ford ran for 369 yards and five scores in 2014. 

Meanwhile, Ford's departure frees up some space for freshman Joe Mixon, who sat out all of last season because of a suspension. Perine, entering his sophomore season, will likely be the starter. Junior Alex Ross also returns.

Follow Andrew Gilman on Twitter: @andrewgilmanOK

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