One very notable face was missing from the group of Penn State players who pledged their commitment to the program on Wednesday. Junior running back Silas Redd was thought to be absent from the group while on the way to Big Ten media days in Chicago. Three Nittany Lions will be in attendance at the event, but Redd will not be one of them.

ESPN.com's Joe Schad and Colin Cowherd are reporting that Redd is absent from Big Ten media days because he is meeting with Southern California coach Lane Kiffin. The Trojans have been a popular potential landing spot for the star running back since the NCAA announced the transfer rules for current Penn State players.

As recently as yesterday it was reported that Penn State would not bring players to meet the media in Chicago, but John Urschel and Jordan Hill arrived as scheduled. Senior linebacker Michael Mauti -- one of the primary speakers in Wednesday's team statment -- is a substitution for Redd.

Redd's father told the Hartford Courant on Tuesday that his son "is a student-athlete at Penn State University, period." However, he stated earlier that Redd had not made up his mind as to if he will transfer -- but the family would support his decision either way.

Redd could be a huge boost for an already potent Trojans offense, joining Matt Barkley, Robert Woods, and Marqise Lee to highlight one of the most star-studded units in the country.  Redd earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors after running for 1,241 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore in 2011.

CBSSports.com's Dennis Dodd and Tom Fornelli are on the ground in Chicago.  Follow them for all the latest throughout the event. (@dennisdoddcbs, @TomFornelli)

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