Second-team All-Big Ten running back Silas Redd has decided to leave Penn State and transfer to USC, ESPN is reporting Tuesday.
He will be eligible to play immediately and should provide needed depth in the backfield for the Trojans.
Before Redd made his decision to transfer, USC only had three scholarship running backs on the roster.
Redd is the biggest name to leave the Penn State football program since it was hit with a four-year bowl game ban, reduced football scholarships, the forfeiture of 112 wins and a $60 million fine, stemming from the Jerry Sandusky child sex-abuse scandal.
After the sanctions were handed down last week, Nittany Lions players were given the opportunity to transfer without having to forfeit a year of eligibility.
Many Penn State players have publicly announced their support for their downtrodden football program. Redd was not among them.
Last season, Redd, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, ran for 1,241 yards and seven touchdowns.
He was expected to be Penn State’s top returning player.
Still under sanctions themselves, USC is not allowed to have more than 75 players on scholarship, a number that they have already reached.
In order for Redd to receive a scholarship, a player on the current USC roster will have to be deemed academically ineligible or another player will have to give up their scholarship for him.
Bowl eligible after two years of being banned from postseason play, USC is expected to challenge for a national title this season.
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