Silas Redd Should Remain at Penn State Despite Harsh NCAA Sanctions

It's no surprise Silas Redd has become a popular transfer target ever since it was announced Penn State players were able to leave the team without penalty. That said, the best thing the star running back can do is stick with the Nittany Lions.

First and foremost, it would be a major victory for the entire Penn State community if Redd decides to stay. He has a chance to make a strong push for solidarity because his choice will likely have a significant impact on currently undecided players.

Many individuals at Penn State have been negatively affected by the Jerry Sandusky scandal, even though they had no role in it. Having one of the school's most popular people walk away would be another tough pill to swallow.

Losing Redd would also severely damage Penn State's chances of remaining competitive in the upcoming season. Although they have several promising running backs on the roster, nobody will be able to fill Redd's shoes.

For a team that's built on rushing and defense, it's easy to see why that would be such a major setback. Not to mention all the players who might follow him out of the door. It's something that is likely to have a trickle-down effect, one way or another.

Make no mistake, this season will be very important. Not only will football help Penn State heal some of its deep wounds, but due to the sanctions levied by the NCAA, it might be the team's last chance to seriously compete for a decade.

On a more personal level, staying at Penn State would help Redd's NFL prospects. It takes a lot of character to stick it out through difficult times, especially when it seems like the grass is a lot greener at other programs right now.

NFL front offices probably wouldn't see a transfer as a negative because they have paid attention to the Penn State saga just like everybody else. However, staying might earn him a couple of character points for showing he's not afraid of some adversity.

It's not like another team would give him more opportunities to stand out, either. The amount of attention the Penn State football team receives this fall will likely be unprecedented. The spotlight will be on the Nittany Lions all season.

The focus gives Redd a terrific opportunity to stand out from the crowd as the team's most talented player. That probably won't be the case if he transfers to another power program with more depth at the position.

Ultimately, nobody should come down too hard on Redd regardless of his final decision. Every player on the roster is in a tough spot and all of them have to make the choice that's best for their future.

For Redd, Penn State is still a very good option.