Chris Martin, one of the top recruits from Cal’s 2010 signing class, has announced his intention to transfer out due to “distractions.”

The Oakland native, rated as a five-star defensive end by Rivals.com, and was expected to log significant playing time in the Bears’ 3-4 defense – likely converting to outside linebacker.

“My decision to transfer definitely does not reflect on the football program or the academics at Cal,” he said in a press release. “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.”

Martin played for three seasons at Oakland’s Bishop O’Dowd High School, but spent his senior year at Grandview High in Aurora, Colo. In a Denver Post article last September, he attributed his departure to “bad blood” with the coach, as well as people who “didn’t have his best interest in mind” entering his social circle.

He has not yet disclosed which school he will be transferring to.

The 6-foot-5 defensive end had previously committed to Notre Dame, but reneged after former coach Charlie Weis’ firing last November.

Along with safety/wide receiver Keenan Allen, Martin’s commitment signaled the first time in program history that Cal had inked two five-star recruits in the same year.

The haul, which also included four-star defensive standouts such Gabe King and Chris McCain, buoyed Cal’s class to No. 11 in the nation.