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Southern California's newest running back is ready to move on from the turmoil of being at Penn State.
''My relationship with Penn State and everything was a great experience and they gave me some excellent opportunities,'' Silas Redd told reporters Monday night. ''But I'm opening a new chapter in my life. I'm a Trojan now.''
USC head coach Lane Kiffin recruited the 5-foot-10, 209-pound running back as soon as the NCAA opened up a kind of ''free agency'' that allowed all Nittany Lions to transfer and begin playing immediately instead of having to sit out a year as normally is the case.
On the first day of the Trojan's fall camp, Kiffin was impressed with how Redd was prepared to contribute.
''I thought his preparation was really top-notch, how focused he came today and how mature he is about his approach to the game,'' Kiffin said. ''Just kind of continues along that NFL veteran line, signing a guy who has played before in big games and carried the ball a lot.''
Redd immediately strengthens what had been a weakness for USC. Tailback Amir Carlisle transferred to Notre Dame and sophomore Tre Madden sustained a season-ending knee injury in the spring, leaving USC with only two tailbacks that have game experience: senior Curtis McNeal and redshirt sophomore D.J. Morgan.
''So far so good for Day 1. It's just Day 1 install. But he did a good job,'' Kiffin said. ''Went the wrong way a couple times like you would expect today, but his preparation, you can see that he wants to be great.''
Redd ran for 1,241 yards and seven touchdowns last season at Penn State. He could prove to be an every-down back at USC, and even played on special teams Monday.
''This is my new family now. They have great tradition ... so I was excited to suit up,'' Redd said.
He said his decision was between Penn State and USC. There were no other options. He eventually chose the Trojans because of what he called a ''business decision.''
''It was just the bigger picture,'' Redd said. ''Academically and athletically, I feel like this is the best place to be.''
Soon, the questions will dissipate and there will just be the game. And soon, Redd can get back to what he loves most.
''Now, I can just play football.''
