Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops confirmed that running back Keith Ford has been suspended.
Rumors of a suspension were circulating and Stoops addressed the issue Monday.
. @OU_CoachStoops confirms that running back Keith Ford has been indefinitely suspended for academic & team rules violations.
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) March 30, 2015MORE: Top 10 football programs | SN Top 25 RBs | QBs | WRs | Field of 68 football bracket
Ford came into Oklahoma with high expectations, but the junior back struggled holding onto the ball and staying healthy. Over the past two seasons he's played in 18 games and started three times. Ford has made the most of his opportunities. He finished with 392 rushing yards (5.5 ypc), 11 receptions for 140 yards and six total touchdowns last season.
Despite Ford's suspension, the Sooners won't be hurting at running back. Sophomore Samaje Perine had a breakout season last year, rushing for over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns, including an NCAA-record 427 yards against Kansas. The team also has Alex Ross returning and former five-star recruit Joe Mixon returning after a year-long suspension.