The running back position looked to be one of USC's biggest flaws heading to the season, but the transfer of Silas Redd into the program has provided the Trojans with a huge boost throughout the first five games, according to Percy Allen of the Seattle Times.
Here's what Washington defense coordinator Justin Wilcox had to say about what Redd brings to the table as a ball-carrier:
"They were plenty good before him, and now you add him to everything else and they're incredibly explosive...He's plenty fast to take it the distance. He's got really good elusiveness."
Redd has paced the Trojans with a team-high 415 yards and five touchdowns on 75 carries so far this season. His best game came in late September against Cal in which he compiled 158 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. And with center Khaled Holmes now back from his right leg injury, there should be nothing stopping Redd from taking his game to the next level, according the USC head coach Lane Kiffin:
"We're seeing Silas' role grow...For anybody, it takes a little bit of time and, as you see, he's really starting to be more productive in our system. I think he's going to have a great year and take off, and he's a great kid to have in our program."
The Huskies have been allowing an average of 137 yards per game on the ground in 2012. That number could very possibly grow if Redd takes another step in the right direction this Saturday in Washington.