Oklahoma surprised some (most) when it named its starting quarterback Thursday. Now, the Sooners’ opponent in the regular season opener has a surprise of its own, albeit one that’s not exactly favorable for the decided road underdogs.
Louisiana-Monroe announced Friday that starting wide receiver Colby Harper has been dismissed from the football program a week away from the opener against OU. Other than the garden variety “violation of unspecified team rules” -- and a cryptic statement -- no reason for the dismissal was given.
“Colby Harper has been removed from the ULM football team,” head coach Todd Berry said. “Rules are put in place to protect the team and individuals associated with the team and we will always act accordingly.”
In 2012, Harper was fourth on the team in receptions (29), receiving yards (303) and receiving touchdowns (two), totals that were second among returning ULM receivers. During a ULM career that spanned 20 games and 13 starts, Harper had 56 receptions for 594 yards and four touchdowns.
The redshirt junior was expected to be a starter heading into the 2013 season.