By Guy Cipriano, McClatchy Newspapers –
Penn State has lost its leading rusher six days before the start of preseason practices.
Silas Redd announced Tuesday that he’s leaving Penn State for Southern California, according to the Stamford (Conn.) Advocate and ESPN. Redd finalized his decision after meeting with Penn State coach Bill O’Brien. The junior rushed for 1,241 yards on 244 carries last season.
The NCAA’s transfer waiver for Penn State players allows Redd to begin playing immediately for the Trojans. The waiver, one of the multiple sanctions levied against Penn State last week, permits players to transfer without having to sit out a season.
Redd, who is on the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award and Doak Walker Award watch lists, joins 1,000-yard rusher Curtis McNeal in the USC backfield. His presence further solidifies the Trojans’ spot as a Bowl Championship Series title contender.
Losing Redd is a significant blow to a Penn State offense that now returns just four starters. Sophomore Bill Belton, a wide receiver last season, will likely move to the No. 1 tailback spot. Junior Curtis Dukes, true freshman Akeel Lynch, sophomore Zach Zwinak and senior Derek Day are other contenders for time at tailback.
Dukes, who rushed for 237 yards on 41 carries yards last season, missed spring practice for academic reasons. Heis listed on Penn State’s current roster.
Redd is the third player to leave Penn State since the NCAA levied its sanctions last Monday. Junior quarterback Rob Bolden was removed from the roster on Sunday night. Freshman defensive back Tim Buckley transferred to North Carolina State on Monday.
The Nittany Lions open preseason drills on Aug. 6.