Venric Mark and Christian Jones, two seniors poised to help lead the Wildcats back to a bowl game, will not play for Northwestern in 2014.
Mark will transfer for personal reasons and to be closer to family, according to a news release. An All-American punt returner in 2012, Mark had recently been suspended for the first two games of the year because of a “violation of team rules.” He only played in three games last year due to injuries.
“Northwestern has been an indescribable experience for me,” Mark said to the Chicago Tribune. “It has been my home for four years, and has molded me into the man I am. I’m one class shy of the Northwestern degree I’ve worked so hard for, and I will graduate. I’m devastated to leave my second home, but life is full of challenges and I’ve been presented with another one. Right now this is what is best for me and my family.”
Christian Jones led the team in receiving yards last year and will miss the entire season because of a knee injury he sustained during practice on Wednesday. He will be able to redshirt this year and return for a final season in 2015.