Cal's prized five star recruit was considered the best outside linebacker by Scout and one of the best defensive ends by Rivals in the 2010 recruiting class. But for whatever reason, things didn't work out early for Martin, and he's looking elsewhere to play football. Coach Jeff Tedford supports him in this decision.
"My decision to transfer definitely does not reflect on the football program or the academics at Cal," said Martin, a native of Oakland. "Rather, I feel like for me to focus and truly reach my potential I need to leave many of the distractions I have here at home in the Bay Area. I need to venture away from home and start my college career somewhere else where I don’t have those distractions."
"This is a decision that Chris and his family have made to do what they feel is in the best interest of Chris," said Tedford. "We wish Chris the best as he pursues his college football career. It is always important for young men to make the correct decisions to be able to reach their full potential. I understand his concern with the continued outside distractions he’s facing, and I support Chris and his decision to transfer. I wish him and his family all the best."
As a Cal fan, I wish Martin nothing but the best, and hopes he finds a good place. Outside of the West Coast of course (and he implied with Jonathan Okanes of BearTalk that he will not be staying on the West Coast).
Follow the California Golden Blogs thread discussing Martin's decision to transfer.