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Texas A&M is the leader for Oklahoma transfer Keith Ford

Published May. 20, 2015 5:38 p.m. ET

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Former Oklahoma Sooners running back Keith Ford is learning toward transferring to Texas A&M, he told 247Sports.

“Utah has called me, Louisville is showing a lot of interest and so has U of H [Houston]," Ford said. "Texas A&M has also reached out to me. I don’t want to leave the state of Texas so I’m kind of leaning towards Texas A&M. It’s not official yet because I still need to talk with the coaches but I am leaning towards Texas A&M.”

Ford also divulged his true reason for deciding to leave the Sooners.

Last week Ford announced he would transfer from Oklahoma on the heels of being suspended during spring practices. However, Ford said losing Cale Gundy as his position coach, and not the indefinite suspension, fueled his decision.

“After a difficult semester I sat down with my family and thought hard about being closer to my support system, but what really triggered my decision was the coaching change,” Ford told 247Sports. “I really formed a strong relationship with Coach Gundy. He was like a second father to me and he really cared about me. I just felt with the new running backs coach, it just wasn’t the right fit. I talked with my parents about it and they asked me if this was something I really wanted to do. I told them I wanted to start a new chapter in my life and play somewhere else."

After last season's disappointing 8-5 finish, in which Ford injured his knee in the third game and was lost for the season, coach Bob Stoops made changes to his staff. Gundy will now coach inside receivers while Jay Boulware takes over as running backs coach. Ford made it clear he wasn't interested in playing under Boulware.

“I want to play for a coach that wants to see me succeed academically and treat me more like a man,” Ford told 247Sports. “My last coach treated me like I was in high school. I want someone who will be straight up and really, really talk with me.”

Ford said he has spoken recently with A&M coach Kevin Sumlin and plans to visit the school.

Ford was the Sooners' leading rusher before suffering the injury against Tennessee. In his absence, freshman Samaje Perine had a breakout season, in the process setting the NCAA single-game rushing record, and had surpassed Ford on the depth chart.

(h/t 247Sports)

Photo Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

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