In a move that surprised just about nobody, Connecticut RB Silas Redd has verbally committed to the Nittany Lions at the Nike Training Camp which convieniently happened to be in Happy Valley.  Redd becomes the 4th commitment for the Class of 2010, joining 5-star QB Paul Jones, 4-star LB Mike Hull, and 4-star WR Adrian Coxson.  With a dearth of scholarships, the coaching staff has done a great job of targeting only the most talented players.  There’s no room in this small class to waste a scholarship, and the aggressive approach seems to be paying off.  Now here’s what they’re saying about Silas, who held scholarship offers from Rutgers, Stanford, Virginia, Oregon, and B.C.:

He’s a 4-star prospect on both Rivals and Scout, the latter of which ranks him as the #14 RB in the country.  ESPN has a more in-depth profile analysis.

Redd tears up his lesser Connecticut competition on film but should be regarded as a legit national running back prospect with his good blend of perimeter speed and in-line toughness…Tough, get-north downhill type of runner with the lateral quicks to still make defenders miss through the hole. Has very good feet, body control and outstanding jump-cut and change-of-direction skill…Overall, Redd is an impressive, quick-twitched athlete with game game-changing ability on both sides of the ball. Would make a great complement running back at the major D-I level and potentially a high-carry guy if he can add bulk and become a bit more powerful.

Here are some highlights

Remember, we’ve already got Stephfon Green and Brandon Beachum for the next three years, then Curtis Duke coming in next year, so adding Redd is going to solidify the position for as long as anyone can figure it out.  This is just a great start to the recruiting season.  All we need now is to add some depth, especially in the defensive secondary and along the lines.  I’m actually glad to see the commitments not come rolling in.  I know it sounds weird, but if we’re going after guys who don’t get caught up in the allure of any school, it means that they’re probably better players.  Where Penn State has struggled has been closing out the recruiting class, snagging the guy on signing day who’s down to us and another school.  Terrelle Pryor, Jelani Jenkins, Chad Henne-those are the 5-star elite talent players that we haven’t managed to snag.  A couple of those type players, and this class just might be our best ever.

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