Exactly one week after NCAA sanctions against Penn State were announced and his name was first connected to USC, current Nittany Lions running back Silas Redd is expected to make a decision in short order as to his football future.
If as all the signs seem to indicate that he will head out west to continue his playing career, one current Trojans player would (grudgingly) take one for the team and make room for the talented back.
While not identified by the Orange County Register, the unnamed player told the paper that, if asked by the coaching staff, he would give up his scholarship in order to provide room on USC’s roster for Redd. Because of its own NCAA sanctions, the Trojans are limited to 75 scholarship players this season; the Register writes that, based on its tally, the Trojans are right at that 75-man limit and would need to create roster space to add Redd.
The player, a former walk-on, used words like “heartbroken” to describe having to give up the scholarship he earned, but would understand if it comes to that.The player said he would be “heartbroken” if it came to that because he had worked so hard to earn the scholarship. However, when the player initially received it, Kiffin explained that it was a year-to-year deal and that the player might have to give it back if USC’s roster limitations left no other recourse.
Although losing his scholarship would be a source of frustration, the player said he would remain with the squad. “I love this team,” he said.
The player said he understood the current situation regarding Redd and how his addition would improve the team’s chances to win the national championship. While hopeful of keeping his scholarship, the player would be willing to sacrifice it if absolutely necessary. I found his team-first approach to a potentially unpleasant situation admirable.The Philadelphia Inquirer reported earlier today that a decision from Redd is expected Monday. However, Redd’s hometown newspaper, the Hartford Hour, reports that no decision is expected until Tuesday at the earliest. Redd is currently headed back to the East Coast and will spend the day Tuesday talking over his decision with family and friends.