Grand Forks, ND -- (Sports Network) - Running back Ryan Chappell of the North Dakota Fighting Sioux will be academically ineligible for the entire 2008 season.

Chappell, who will remain a member of the team, redshirted the 2005 season before leading the squad in rushing each of the past two years.

Last season, Chappell rushed for 1,640 yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 7.0 yards per carry. He also caught 22 passes for 370 yards and three scores.

In 2006, Chappell also led the Fighting Sioux with 1,253 yards rushing and a career-high 15 rushing touchdowns. He became the first freshman in school history to rush for 1,000 yards.

The Fighting Sioux will make the transition from Division II to the Division I Football Championship Subdivision in 2008.