Silas Redd isn’t your typical superstar running back: flashy on the field, but humble and down to earth off of it.
Like many players who have bought in to the ‘Success with Honor’ mantra, Redd has ensured that while Joe Paterno may no longer roam the sideline, the lessons Paterno taught so many players will not be forgotten. It is that positive and respectful nature coupled with his immense skill that has made Redd a fan favorite so early in his career.
When many of his teammates took to social media after the Ticket City Bowl’s announcement, Redd took the road less traveled.
“Ticket City Bowl it is! I’m excited to play against Houston and hopefully cap off this roller coaster of a season with a big win!” Redd tweeted.
It was a simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes to the character and leadership of a young man who had every right to be unhappy about his team’s bowl destination. Ordinarily you could have excepted all of the players to buy in to the chaos for a few days, leading the team toward a Jan. 2 bowl game unprepared and unenthused. However, anyone who has spent time with Redd will tell you that he is far from ordinary.
If not for the massive off-the-field distractions that the Sandusky scandal brought to Happy Valley, the efforts of Redd may have been much more appreciated. Averaging 26 carries in five straight conference games, Redd broke the 100-yard mark in all five of those games and in many cases was the most consistent offensive threat the Nittany Lions had to offer.
Gaining almost 5.5 yards a carry, Redd’s regular-season rushing mark of 1,188 yards puts him only 48 yards behind Evan Royster’s first year starting total of 1,236.
If Redd is able to gain those 48 yards against a Houston team that has struggled defensively, that would have Redd’s career numbers roughly 76 yards behind Evan Royster after two seasons in Happy Valley. Houston’s rushing defense is ranked 77th in the nation and gave up 4.4 yards a carry against Conference USA opponents; Redd currently averages 5.2 yards a carry and has thrived against weaker defenses.
While the offenses’ future will depend greatly on who is hired to replace Joe Paterno, Redd should be on pace to break Evan Royster’s all-time leading rusher mark of 3,932 yards with two years remaining at Penn State. Assuming that Redd is able to stay healthy he may soon be a household name known for not being just any ordinary running back on, and off, the field.
