While Evan Royster and Stephfon Green have gotten off to a slow start in the Penn State running game, freshman Silas Redd has opened some eyes, namely Bob Flounders.
↵↵↵Redd might not be as fast as Green but he probably has a step on Royster. He needs to be on the field, especially with the rebuilt offensive line still finding its way. There haven't been many big holes in the first two weeks, and Paterno was quick to note that even Youngstown State's front held its own against the Lions in the run game.
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Redd doesn't need a lot of room. At the very least, he is an effective complement to Royster. Paterno knows this. It's time to start grooming the youngster for his future role – feature back. And the future is coming quickly.
Flounders is dead on here. Regardless of whether or not Royster and/or Green start turning things around, Redd needs to see reps with the first string. He's the back of the future, and he's talented enough to make a contribution now. Obviously Joe Paterno thinks so, too, which is why Redd saw time against Alabama. That, or maybe he just likes the Redd-Green combo...
↵Regardless, it's a good thing for Penn State that this young guy is stepping up, much like his classmate Rob Bolden has. Penn State's future really looks bright with these two taking bigger roles in the near future.
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