Northwestern running back Venric Mark will not participate in spring practice as he continues to recover from a broken ankle suffered last October.
Five defensive linemen will miss practice, too, and a sixth is limited. Additionally, 2013 starters Daniel Jones (CB) and Ian Park (OL) will miss spring practice, as well as receiver Cermak Bland, safety Terrance Brown, running back Stephen Buckley and offensive lineman Brad North.
Mark only appeared in three games for Northwestern last season and was granted an injury hardship waiver to play a fifth year in Evanston. A hamstring injury limited Mark in Northwestern’s season opener and kept him out the entire month of September. He returned for Northwestern’s heart-wrenching loss to Ohio State, but a week later suffered a broken ankle against Wisconsin that ended his season.
In 2012, Mark rushed for 1,366 yards on 226 carries (six yards/carry) and scored 15 total touchdowns (12 rushing, two returning, one receiving).