Silas Redd: Former Penn State RB Had No Choice but to Transfer

Silas Redd is a rational human being.

Everyone that isn’t a Penn State homer knows that Redd’s decision of whether or not to transfer from PSU to USC was a no-brainer. With death penalty-like sanctions putting his promising football career in jeopardy, he had to get out while he still could.

According to Dave Ruden of the Stamford Advocate, Redd explained his choice of the Trojans via text message. He said, “USC will be the best fit for my academic, athletic, and personal needs over the next two years.”

Jim Rome is one of the few media members that questioned Silas’ transfer, but not for the same reason as ticked-off Nittany Lion fans. He tweeted:

"

The question isn't why Silas Redd left Penn State for USC. It's what took him so long to decide. No brainer.

— Jim Rome (@jimrome) August 1, 2012"

Rome is dead on.

Rivals rated Redd as the fourth-best running back prospect in the class of 2010. In just his sophomore season at Penn State, he rushed for 1,241 yards and seven touchdowns on 5.1 yards a pop. He boasts way too much potential to waste away in PA.

State College has been home of some of the biggest halfback busts in NFL history: D.J. Dozier, Blair Thomas, Ki-Jana Carter and Curtis Engs. Why stick around on a team with that resume when playing for the Tailback U is an option?

When Redd signed with Penn State over Stanford, Oregon and Michigan, the Nittany Lions still held the reputation as a top-notch program with a legendary coach. Today, their reputation has been ruined, they aren’t a legitimate Big Ten contender and Redd’s teammates are leaving right and left.

PSU isn’t the same team he signed with. USC offered him a way out—and there aren’t too many ways out better than USC.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels