Former Huskies commit James Montgomery has decided to leave California, RealDawg.com reported last night.

"James Montgomery asked for his release and I granted it," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said Tuesday. "He felt like there would be a better situation for him somewhere else. Fortunately for us, running back is a position with a lot of depth. We feel great about our
talent at that position with Jahvid Best, Shave Vereen, Tracy Slocum and Covaughn DeBoskie."

Montgomery's 2005-'06 recruitment was interesting, to say the least.

He originally orally committed in July '05 to the Huskies, but then changed his mind to stay closer to home at Cal. Several sources said that after signing his national letter of intent in Febuary '06 he again had second thoughts and wished he had signed with Oregon.

Washington and Oregon are reportedly back on his list, as are Florida and Fresno State.

The Rancho Cordova, Calif., native had 36 carries for 171 yards and scored two touchdowns last season after redshirting in 2006. He also caught four passes for 48 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown in the Huskies' 37-23 win over Cal on Nov. 17.

If he transfers to an NCAA Division I school, Montgomery will have to sit out '08 and would have two years left to play two, but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for either the Huskies or Montgomery to transfer to Washington.

The 2008 Huskies roster will have eight players listed at running back, including junior J.R. Hasty, sophomore Brandon Johnson and redshirt freshmen Willie Griffin and Brandon Yakaboski, as well as four incoming freshmen.

This announcement came out of Berkeley just three days after Tedford postponed the beginning of spring ball due to injuries. (See this story from the Oakland Tribune.)

* * *

One more item of interest for Huskies fans...

GoHuskies.com reported this week that redshirt freshman Quinton Richardson will move from safety to cornerback for spring camp.

Here is a video feature from GoHuskies.com in which he talks about that switch, as well as his physical condition, etc. (You have to log in to view, but it is free content.)