| Silas Redd |
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Penn State's scintillating 35-21 comeback from a 21-0 deficit to beat Northwestern last season was historic on multiple fronts. The victory was the 400th of Joe Paterno's career and represented Penn State's largest home comeback during the Hall of Fame mentor's career. The contest also saw the first breakout performance by true freshman Silas Redd, who roared through the Wildcats for 131 yards on just 11 carries for his first career 100-yard rushing game. Redd and Evan Royster (134 yards) combined to produce just the fourth time Penn State has had a pair of rushers with 130 yards or more all-time. The last time it had happened? On September 25, 1971, when Nittany Lion legends Lydell Mitchell (211) and Franco Harris (145) blitzed Iowa. Redd hasn't reached their status, yet, but has a very promising future after rushing for 437 yards and averaging 5.7 yards on his 77 attempts last year. With all-time leading rusher Royster having graduated, Redd likely will wage a competitive battle with Stephfon Green, Brandon Beachum and Curtis Dukes for primary ball-carrying duties this fall. An electrifying runner with blazing breakaway speed and superb elusiveness, his athleticism and flashes of immense potential earned Redd preseason third-team All-Big Ten honors from Phil Steele' s College Football Preview. A U.S. Army All-American, he also boasts the skill set to be a strong contributor in the passing game and on special teams. Redd made significant strides during winter conditioning and spring practice, providing a preview of what could be an impactful year. He and sophomore linebacker Khairi Fortt are returning Nittany Lions from Connecticut. They first met at Penn State's summer football camp and forged a friendship that would bring both of them to Happy Valley in January 2010.
2010 Freshman Season
Redd first demonstrated his explosive speed in the 2010 Blue-White game and made significant strides during his true freshman season. He ran for 437 yards, second on the team, and scored two touchdowns. He delivered a superb 5.7-yard average on 77 rushing attempts, best on the team among players with at least five carries. Playing in 12 games, he also had seven kickoff returns for a 21.0-yard average and caught four passes. Enrolling in the University in January 2010, Redd opened his rookie campaign by gaining 20 yards on just three carries against Youngstown State. He gained 26 yards on five carries at top-ranked Alabama, including an 11-yard burst in the second half. He provided a big boost for the Nittany Lions at Minnesota, gaining 70 of his 71 yards in the second half, on eight carries. Redd ripped off back-to-back 26- and 20-yard fourth-quarter bursts to set up a touchdown. He was part of a potent Penn State rushing attack in the win over Michigan, rushing for 24 yards on six carries. Redd recorded his first career 100-yard rushing game with 131 yards on only 11 carries (11.9) in the scintillating 35-21 comeback win over Northwestern. He also had a season-high 30-yard run and he scored his first career touchdown on a four-yard run to give Penn State its first lead at 28-21 after trailing, 21-0, late in the first half. Evan Royster's 134 yards and Redd's 131 yards against the Wildcats gave Penn State consecutive years of having a game featuring a pair of 100-yard rushers (Illinois, 2010). Redd and Royster also were the first Penn State running backs to each gain at least 130 rushing yards in a game since Nittany Lion legends Lydell Mitchell (211) and Franco Harris (145) did so at Iowa on Sept. 25, 1971. The combined effort by Royster and Redd marked just the fourth time Penn State had two runners gain 130 or more yards in a game. At Ohio State, Redd gained 39 yards on the ground, including an 18-yard burst in the first half. He led the Nittany Lions against Indiana at FedEx Field, gaining 50 yards and scoring a one-yard touchdown for the final 41-24 margin. Redd made one catch for 16 yards and gained 13 yards on the ground against Florida in the 2011 Outback Bowl. Redd saw action on 177 snaps, topped by 26 against the Gators and 19 at Ohio State.
High School
Redd was a standout at the King Low Heywood Thomas School for Coach Dan Gouin. Rivals.com rated him Connecticut's top prep player in 2009. Redd was selected to play in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Rivals.com ranked him the nation's No. 4 prep running back and Scout.com ranked him No. 7. He was instrumental in helping his team to a 16-2 record during his junior and senior seasons. As a senior, Redd gained 1,924 yards on 137 carries, averaging an incredible 14.0 yards per attempt. He averaged 240 yards per game and scored 25 touchdowns, with a long carry of 88 yards. He also made 47 tackles (39 solo) and had one interception on defense. Redd ran for 1,356 yards on 120 carries (11.3 avg.) and scored 15 touchdowns as a junior, also grabbing two interceptions. He also played basketball and lacrosse.
Personal
Full name is Silas Raynard Redd Jr. He is the son of Silas Sr. and Yvonne Redd. He has an older brother, Mike, and a younger sister, Raven. Redd enjoys drawing, video games and playing cards. He is interested in pursuing a career in advertising. Born March 1, 1992 in Norwalk, Conn.
