Avery Sebastian to leave Cal and transfer as a grad student

We already knew we're thin at safety, but things are about to get a little thinner.

Safety Avery Sebastian has decided to leave Cal and transfer as a grad student and player to another university. Sebastian is a redshirt junior who has earned his degree from UC Berkeley, which means he has the ability to transfer to another university and play next year as long as he's studying a field that is not offered at Berkeley. He released the following statement on his Instagram:

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been a student-athlete at the University of California, Berkeley, and earn my undergraduate degree from the world’s top public university. I am extremely proud to be a Golden Bear,and strived to be a leader on and off the field. I left my blood, sweat and tears on Kabam Field at California Memorial Stadium. I gave everything I had to this program and community while working hard to finish my degree in four years and will forever be thankful to all of those who helped support me during this journey. Now, I am ready to pursue my master’s degree. However, Cal does not currently offer a graduate program in my field of choice. In addition, I have one year of eligibility remaining and wish to play that final year while working toward my master’s degree at another university. I will always love this university, my teammates, fellow students, administration, coaches, staff, our fans, and all who helped make this experience unforgettable. You made my four years in Berkeley four years that I will always treasure and never forget. Thank you, Cal Family, for everything. Go Bears!

A photo posted by Avery Sebastian (@jim_thqrpe4) on Dec 12, 2014 at 3:54pm PST

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been a student-athlete at the University of California, Berkeley, and earn my undergraduate degree from the world’s top public university.

I am extremely proud to be a Golden Bear,and strived to be a leader on and off the field. I left my blood, sweat and tears on Kabam Field at California Memorial Stadium. I gave everything I had to this program and community while working hard to finish my degree in four years and will forever be thankful to all of those who helped support me during this journey.

Now, I am ready to pursue my master’s degree. However, Cal does not currently offer a graduate program in my field of choice. In addition, I have one year of eligibility remaining and wish to play that final year while working toward my master’s degree at another university.

I will always love this university, my teammates, fellow students, administration, coaches, staff, our fans, and all who helped make this experience unforgettable. You made my four years in Berkeley four years that I will always treasure and never forget.

Thank you, Cal Family, for everything.

Go Bears!

Besides simply being a player for a position of need, Sebastian quickly became a fan favorite for holding Cal's recruiting class together during the apocalypse of Tosh Lupoi. As if that weren't enough, he became beloved for his fiery play and leadership. He struggled with injuries during his time here, but we all appreciate him for his contributions as a Golden Bear.

Avery, we wish you the best of luck with the rest of your career.

Here is the statement from Coach Dykes.