USC Football: An Update on Penn State RB Silas Redd

January 1, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Silas Redd (25) runs with the ball during the second half of their game against the Florida Gators of the 2011 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 37-24. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

Last night, rumors surfaced that USC had contacted Penn State running back Silas Redd, in the aftermath of the NCAA dropping the hammer on the Nittany Lions. At the time it was unclear whether USC would even be allowed to go after the Penn State players, as the Trojans are still under sanctions themselves. At media day, Coach Kiffin addressed that issue:

It would seem that the NCAA has given USC the green light to poach recruits and current players, which is interesting, considering USC was in a similar situation just two summers ago. Kiffin declined comment on the matter at media day, citing that the Penn State players are treated just as high school recruits, per NCAA rules. He did though say that he sympathizes with what new Penn State Coach Bill O’Brien is going through, as Kiffin experienced it himself.

However, according to USCFootball.com, a source tells them that the interest between Silas Redd and the Trojans is mutual. In fact, if Redd were to leave the Penn State program it would be for USC, says their source.

It’s no secret that ‘SC has running back issues, and adding another capable, reliable ball-carrier could make all the difference for USC on it’s quest to Miami. Coach Kiffin could also use that logic as a selling point for Redd; come to USC, and win a championship.

We all know these guys love to hear that, and Redd would be more likely to accomplish it with the Trojans than most other teams.

Furthermore, USCFootball.com notes that Redd has some connections to current and former men of Troy. In January of 2010, Redd played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl with Robert Woods andDemetrius Wright; running back D.J. Morgan was also on the roster but did not play due to injury. Former Trojans Markeith Ambles, Dillon Baxter and Kyle Prater were also on that Army Bowl roster.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Max Wittek grew up in Connecticut before relocating to Orange County, and he and Redd both played on the same Pop Warner football team when they were kids.

But before we all get too hyped on this guy, consider that Redd has yet to make any kind of public statement or post any tweets about the future of his college career. So we don’t yet know if transferring is even a real, legitimate possibility. If he were to join the ranks of Troy though, this would be a huge get for USC’s offense.

The NCAA is allowing teams to go over scholarship limits in 2012, with any additional scholarships given out counting against next years’ total. USC would still be working with a scholarship limitation of 75 (10 less than the regular 85), so this is also something that will be considered if the Trojans end up pursuing Redd.

If he did ultimately transfer to USC though, he would count towards the class of 2012. USCFootball.com notes that only one of USC’s 2012 signees has yet to be cleared by the NCAA for enrollment, as wide receiver Darreus Rogers is still an “academic question mark”. Silas could take his spot in the 2012 class, making Rogers an early enrollee candidate for the 2013 class.

We will have more updates on USC and Silas Redd as it becomes available.