Linebacker retires because of injury

Outside linebacker Cameron Saffle, one of Cal’s most dynamic defensive players, announced his retirement because of medical reasons Tuesday.

The junior, who had 73 tackles, 5.5 sacks and four pass breakups in 21 career games, is expected to remain enrolled at Cal and stay involved in some capacity with the Bears’ football program.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pounder was on the 2017 preseason watch list for the Lott IMPACT Trophy that honors college football’s best in character and performance, but because of the undisclosed injury, he played in only the season opener at North Carolina.

“Cameron Saffle is one of the finest individuals I have had the pleasure of coaching,” head coach Justin Wilcox said in a statement released by the athletic department. “It is unfortunate that he will not be able to continue playing football, but he has an incredibly bright future and will continue to be an important part of our program as he works toward his Cal degree. We will support him in achieving that goal and are looking forward to his ongoing contributions in a new role.”

Saffle won the Frank Schlessinger Award, given to a Cal player with outstanding athletic and academic success during his sophomore season, and was the team’s Clint Evans Award winner for the most intense freshman the year before.

“Team sports have always been a part of my life since I was a child,” Saffle said in the statement. “Thankfully, I have had outstanding supportive teammates and coaches throughout my life and those relationships have truly helped define me as a person. I love Cal and the academic/athletic family, along with the amazing fans and alumni. I love this storied institution encouraging me to be my best. I am proud to be a Golden Bear and my passion for this school will continue to flourish.”