Even though National Signing Day was in February, Florida’s 2010 recruiting class added another key piece Wednesday.
Chris Martin, a five-star defensive end out of Grandview High in Aurora, Colo., who was enrolled at California, announced his plans to transfer to UF.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been supportive of me through my crazy mental episodes,” Martin said on his Facebook page. “A special thank you to my mother and father who have supported me no matter what. I love you both. God has granted me a second chance. A chance I cannot mess up. With that said. Go Gators. Thank you to everyone and all the coaches who showed their interest in me.”
Martin, who is ranked second among strongside defensive ends and 18th overall in the class of 2010 by Rivals.com, committed to California in Dec. 2009 and signed his letter of intent in February.
The Oakland native was enrolled at the Bay Area school when he informed coaches of his intent to transfer on Monday.
“My decision to transfer definitely does not reflect on the football program or the academics at Cal,” Martin said in a statement released by California.
Martin, who at 6 feet 4 inches and 240 pounds is listed as a defensive end but could also play linebacker, becomes the 28th member of the Gators’ highly touted recruiting class, which Rivals.com ranks as No. 2 in the nation.
“I decided to go with what I originally felt was right for me back in recruiting,” Martin said in an interview Wednesday.
Martin said he initially backed away from Florida during recruitment because of Urban Meyer’s health situation and because former Gators defensive coordinator Charlie Strong left Florida to become the head coach at Louisville.
“That kinda freaked me out when that happened so I went with one of my other plans and went to Cal,” he said. “But there were just distractions at home that I needed to get away from. I’ve been through a lot, and I’ve been to a lot of schools, but I’m blessed to have a second chance and make the most of it now at Florida.”
The decision to transfer to UF brings to a conclusion an intriguing, if not odd, recruiting process for Martin that rivals that of Matt Elam, another 2010 recruit who changed his mind multiple times before finally signing with the Gators.
Martin originally committed to play for Notre Dame before the beginning of his senior season, but visited California in December and decided to decommit from the Fighting Irish. He signed his LOI with the Bears in February before requesting his release from the school this week and announcing his decision to transfer to UF.
Because he was enrolled at California before announcing his decision to come to Florida, Martin will have to redshirt this season, but will be eligible to play in 2011.
However, when he is eligible for the Gators, Martin already has an idea of how he will be used on defense.
“The plan is for me to be a hybrid linebacker and defensive end, kinda in between like the Brandon Spikes role,” Martin said. “That’s the plan for me, but things can change and I’m willing to adapt to that change.”
