By now you're likely aware that junior running back Silas Redd has decided to transfer from Penn State to Southern Cal.
The news broke late Tuesday afternoon and had the Nittany Nation wishfully glued to the Internet over the past several days.
I was hoping he'd stay because he's the top player on a Nittany Lion football team whose members have unfairly suffered mightily, through no acts of their own, over the past nine months.
But I do not blame him nor wish him ill will.
Redd would have shown incredible leadership and sent a terrific team-first message by remaining with the Lions. But when the NCAA penalties, released just last week, included that players could transfer without penalty and be eligible immediately, Redd's departure became a very real, even likely, possibility.
Every kid is different.
Unlike Michael Mauti and Mike Zordich - both seniors and the two best leaders on the team - Redd's dad did not play at Penn State.
And unlike Redd, no other Penn State player had the opportunity to become a feature back in a top-five program with realistic national championship aspirations.
Unlike Mauti and Zordich, Redd had only been at Penn State two seasons. It's possible that he'll explore his options with the National Football League after this season and, if so, you'd think he would have assured himself more touches by remaining at PSU.
In that regard, learning an entirely new system in a month as well as acclimating to a new conference, Redd's challenge has actually increased significantly. He certainly can't be accused of taking the easy way out.
He also may not be the only player to bolt - kicker-punter Anthony Fera and linebacker Khairi Fortt - are exploring options, too.
We're beginning a new world of Penn State football, and there will be more disappointments - particularly over the next five years.
The NCAA delivered its knockout punch last week, and Redd's decision is just the first negative on-field move that will compound Bill O'Brien's massive task.
But O'Brien and Penn State have shown impressive resilience in the face of unthinkable adversity, and that won't change.
O'Brien will now find out about his other backs, such as Bill Belton and, presuming they don't transfer, maybe Akeel Lynch and maybe even Curtis Dukes.
Even with Redd, this was probably an 8-4 football team.
If Penn State fans are going to be despondent about Redd's decision and act like it's the end of the world, they really haven't been paying much attention since November.
And we all know that's not true.
Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com. Follow his comments on Penn State football via Twitter@neilrudel.
