It can’t come as a shock to anyone based on the rumors and speculation over the past week or so, but Penn State running back Silas Redd is indeed transferring to USC.
Redd’s father, Silas Sr., confirmed the transfer to ESPN’s Joe Schad. Other local outlets were able to confirm the news as well with USC and Redd issuing official statements. Here’s the one sent from Redd to media members Tuesday afternoon:This has obviously been a very busy, emotionally draining week for me and my family. As many of you know, playing football at Penn State has been a dream of mine since I was seven years old, and I will be forever grateful that this dream became a reality. This is the reason that the decision I have made is so difficult for me: I will transfer to USC to complete my education and my college football career, beginning in the 2012-2013 year. Penn State gave me a phenomenal opportunity to become part of a legendary football program. My teammates, my coaches – past and present – and the staff have provided me with a tremendous amount of guidance and support since I arrived on campus, and I can’t thank them enough for their time, their advice, and their friendship. They have given me such a strong foundation from which I can continue to grow.
The Penn State community – including the Nittany Lions’ unbelievable fan base – has also been a huge part of my incredible experience over the past two years. I have grown tremendously as a person and a player at Penn State, and the support of the community and our fans has been a big part of the reason why. I also want to extend my thanks to the media, who have embraced me and my family over my entire football career, even before I began at the college level. I think it is important to say that this situation is not something that I wished for myself, but it has happened, nonetheless. My family and I have spent many hours in recent days trying to decide what will be best for me as I look to the future – both personally and professionally.
We have weighed the pros and cons of staying at Penn State and leaving Penn State, attending USC and not attending USC, and I can honestly say that, ultimately, this decision is about so much more than football. I continue to have aspirations for my life, and as my family and I considered the bigger picture – both on and off the field – it became clearer to me that USC will be the best fit for my academic, athletic, and personal needs over the next two years. I look forward to future successes, and to the continued support of everyone around me.
Until today, Redd has been silent on the subject of his future since the NCAA’s decision to levy sanctions against the program and was noticeably absent from Big Ten media days last week, in which he was originally slated to participate. But the rumor mill was active with Redd updates. The running back reportedly visited USC over the weekend with Trojans coach Lane Kiffin taking the visit just a few days before.
Reportedly, Redd met with Penn State coach Bill O’Brien for two or three hours on Tuesday afternoon. Whether Redd had already made up his mind about transferring to USC isn’t clear.
Because of Penn State’s NCAA sanctions, Redd will be able to play immediately for the Trojans without sitting out a season and should split carries with Curtis McNeal. Additionally, the USC will be allowed to accept Redd provided it stays at the 75-player scholarship cap.
Redd, who rushed for 1,241 yards and seven touchdowns last season and was a second-team All-Big Ten selection, will have two years of eligibility remaining. If nothing else, Redd’s addition further cements USC’s status as preseason favorites for a BCS championship appearance this year.