Cal star linebacker recruit to transfer

Published Jul. 20, 2010 7:25 p.m. ET

foxsports

California is losing one of its top recruits for the upcoming season after linebacker Chris Martin decided to transfer.

Coach Jeff Tedford announced Martin's decision Tuesday. Martin was ranked the top outside linebacker by Scout.com, recording 11 sacks and forcing five fumbles last season.

Martin is an Oakland native who finished his high school career in Aurora, Colo. He says he decided to transfer because there are too many distractions for him in the Bay Area.

Tedford says he supports Martin's decision.