Castles Announces Surprise Departure

Cal redshirt freshman tight end McCallan Castles made a surprise announcement today via twitter, announcing his departure from the football team.

Castles announced his departure this evening, saying: “I am truly grateful for my time at the University of California. Thanks to Coach Wilcox and the entire football staff for the support and lessens they taught me but the fit was just not right for me. So with that being said, I am entering the transfer portal. Thank you Cal, Go Bears.

Head coach Justin Wilcox addressed the departure after Wednesday’s practice, saying: “McCallan Castles has left the program and we wish him nothing but the best.”

The 6-5/235 tight end excited Cal fans with his signing in the 2018 class as a 4 star prep from South Lake Tahoe with his athleticism and potential pass-catching threat but his production was limited to a single 15-yard reception in Cal’s bowl game loss to TCU last season. He was named the starting tight end in both of Cal’s first two games, as well as for this weekend’s contest versus North Texas but his inability to hold onto balls in practice and in games likely limited his targets this season.

With Castles’ departure, redshirt sophomores Jake Tonges and Gavin Reinwald will likely see the majority of the tight end targets. Tonges recently earned a scholarship following a successful spring and fall camp. Reinwald is coming off a redshirt season in his second year in the program, taking advantage of the time off to add strength and weight, making himself a more versatile player with the ability to play inline and block as well as stretch the field as a receiver.

The Bears will take the field for their third contest Saturday at 1:15, starting 2-0 after their upset 20-19 victory in Seattle Saturday.

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