USC’S ‘Grandpa,’ center Justin Dedich, ready for one more ride
SAN DIEGO — Justin Dedich has been around USC’S football program long enough to start at right guard, left guard and, now, center. He’s been around long enough to play for three coaches, lining up alongside 2022 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams for two seasons.
He’s been around long enough to earn a nickname.
“People call me Grandpa,” said Dedich, who played at Chaparral High School in Temecula. “That one hurt. I’m not an old person by any means. But it’s all fun and games.”
There is only one game left for Dedich as the Trojans prepare to face Louisville on Wednesday in the Holiday Bowl. Part of his legacy is being a wireto-wire guy, committing to a campus and sticking it out. In an era of transfer portal madness, he became a dependable constant.
At 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds, Dedich grew into a plug-and-play piece at all those positions because he earnestly attacks any sports assignment, starting with being a sizable presence at goalkeeper in soccer.
“When I was young, I started at forward,” he said. “When I got bigger and chubbier, I ended up at goalie the last few years. Soccer was a great sport for me. It gave me a lot of athletic ability.”
Another athletic flyer? “I did pole vaulting,” Dedich said. “Sophomore year. It was an awesome experience. My old soccer coach became the coach of pole vaulting and asked me to try out one day. My best was 9-10 or 10 feet. Pretty good for a big guy.”
Soccer shaped his footwork. Pole vaulting, no matter how briefly, showed him he could fly. The 2023 season, however, brought the Trojans back to earth.
USC has dropped five of its last six after a 2022 season that included a trip to the Pac-12 championship game and spot in the Cotton Bowl. The team started 6-0 in its most recent lap, fueling hopes of competing for a College
Football Playoff berth.
Losing teaches lessons that winning cannot.
“You’ve got to make the most of the cards you’re dealt,” Dedich said. “You never give up. You can’t lose hope. I just try to rally the guys to come out and have a great game. That’s all you can do.
“We’ll put our best foot forward (in San Diego).”
Maybe not the best foot, given that Williams is opting out of the game, perhaps in anticipation of the NFL draft. Leading rusher Marshawn Lloyd, top scoring receiver Brenden Rice and two other starters also chose not to suit up.
The man who hiked the ball to Williams this season had an up close and personal view of the Heisman winner, however.
“It’s an honor to say I played with him the last two years,” Dedich said. “It’s been a privilege. He’s just a great dude, great leader. Definitely going to miss being with him. He’s one of a kind. He just has that QB awareness a lot of people don’t have. It’s very unique.
“I’m definitely going to be talking about him until I’m 60.”
At the Holiday Bowl, Dedich will trigger each play with redshirt sophomore Miller Moss. In four games, Moss has completed 23 of 32 passes (71.9%) for 309 yards and a touchdown.
Next man up, as they say. “Seeing him develop has been unreal,” Dedich said.
The memories of his time with the Trojans swirl as the end nears. Dedich remembers his most unique statistic, his lone career tackle in 2021 against Oregon State.
“The QB threw an interception,” he said. “I remember I was kind of the last line of defense. He was coming down the sideline, so I lowered my shoulder and laid into him. It was a good hit. I was proud of myself.
“I’ll show my kids one day.”
The Holiday Bowl will offer a final moment to savor. Dedich attended a few Padres games growing up. Now he gets the chance to play in Petco Park.
The location is a bonus in more ways than one.
“Being able to get my family out there, it’s awesome in that sense,” Dedich said. “I don’t think the Padres were too good when I used to go, though. I just remember being in awe of the stadium, just falling in love with that. It was a great atmosphere.”
After six seasons, the finish line is meaningful.
“It’s definitely bittersweet,” Dedich said. “Sad to see it end, but also happy for new beginnings. I’m cherishing every rep I’m getting with this uniform on.”
One more ride, Grandpa. One more ride.