Silas Redd: Penn State Star RB Will Transfer to USC

Rumors concerning Silas Redd's status in Happy Valley have swirled since the NCAA announced its harsh sanctions on July 23.

According to ESPN's Joe Schad, Silas Redd has decided make the cross-country trek to Southern California.

"

Silas Redd to USC. Official.

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) July 31, 2012"

UPDATE: Tuesday, July 31 at 6:18 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford

Reporter Dave Ruden of The Stamford Advocate followed up Schad's announcement with Redd's statement to the press. Click the link for the full dialogue, but here's a piece that sums the situation up best:

"

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.

"

It's interesting to see Redd say that this is "about so much more than football." We often only take into account the jersey and number emblazoned upon a player's back when we consider a transfer, but these players have other factors to consider as well.

Make sure you check out the entire statement. Redd's departure is heartbreaking for Nittany Lion faithful, but he handled himself with class.

--------------------------------End of Update-------------------------------

The decision comes after meeting with Lane Kiffin in Connecticut on Thursday. Kiffin coveted Redd's tough running and experience. The Trojans have seven running backs on their current roster (Redd makes eight), but only five of them have a collegiate carry.

Redd, who is coming off a 1,200-yard, seven-touchdown season, will compete immediately with Curtis McNeal for carries in the Trojan backfield. His two years of experience in a college backfield will go a long way toward USC's BCS national championship run.

As much as this move helps Kiffin and the Trojans, it severely hurts Penn State. He was, without a doubt, its No. 1 offensive option and arguably the best player it had on either side of the ball.

The loss of Redd will cripple Bill O'Brien's offense. He would have been counted on to carry the bulk of the load because of Matt McGloin's below-average quarterback play. Without Redd, the Nittany Lions will struggle to score any points against their rugged Big Ten opponents.

Many Penn State players have elected to ride things out in Happy Valley, but Redd was the one player they couldn't afford to lose. He's a dynamic, NFL-caliber ball-carrier who would have thrived as the focal point of their attack this season.

It's hard to blame Redd here. He would have gotten plenty of exposure with Penn State and his NFL draft stock wouldn't have suffered, but the chance to play postseason football is also important.

Redd will get the best of both worlds under Kiffin. He's going to get plenty of carries, and he has a very good chance of hoisting college football's ultimate trophy at the end of last season.

His loss is just one blow to Penn State's depth chart, but it's massive nonetheless.