Recruit Contreras Leaves Northridge

Linebacker Albert Contreras, one of Cal State Northridge’s top football recruits, has left the team. The former Sylmar High and Valley College player was expected to be one of six junior-college transfers to make an impact for the Matadors in the fall.

Contreras and Matador Coach Bob Burt could not be reached for comment, but Sylmar Coach Jeff Engilman said Contreras left the team for personal reasons.

“His mother is having a real tough time right now, health-wise, and she has two jobs,” Engilman said. “Albert feels real obligated to help her. His dad died early and he doesn’t want that to happen to his mom.

“He had come a long way and I chastised him (about his decision) at first. But we talked about (why) on Thursday and now I know where he’s coming from.”

Contreras, 6-feet-2, 240 pounds, turned down a scholarship offer from Northern Arizona to be close to his family. Engilman said Contreras missed most of his sophomore year of high school because he had to work, and he failed most of his classes. As a senior, however, Contreras won a school award for most-improved grade-point average.

“That’s what made going to college a remarkable thing for him,” Engilman said.