The San Jose Mercury News reported on Sunday that backup California quarterback Zach Kline has decided to transfer.
“I just think from what the coaches have told me, I have a better opportunity somewhere else,” Kline told the paper. “They put it to me straight and in a professional way, which I appreciate.”
Kline was a highly-recruited prospect who signed with Cal in 2012 and redshirted during then-head-coach Jeff Tedford’s final season. After Sonny Dykes was hired following Tedford’s firing, he was beat out for the starting job by true freshman Jared Goff. He acted as Goff’s backup this past season and had some opportunities off the bench, throwing for 443 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions.
But Kline may not be the only Bear player getting ready to leave Berkeley.Rumors also are circulating that other players, including sophomore offensive lineman Freddie Tagaloa are on their way elsewhere after the Bears’ 1-11 season. “That’s not all,” the source said.
Kline said he knows nothing about what others are planning, but a source close to the situation said Tagaloa will transfer.
It’s common for players to transfer when a new coach comes in, so it won’t be a particularly unusual thing if several players leave the Cal program, especially coming off a 1-11 season. But the Bears can hardly afford a mass exodus, so Dykes has to work extra hard this month to steady the ship and convince his current players -- and future recruits -- that things are going to get better at Cal.
They certainly can’t get much worse.