Interview: 2018 California 4-Star OL Justin Dedich Brings Nasty Streak to Every Play

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is not a better compliment an offensive lineman can receive for his play on the field than to summarize it as nasty. Other offensive linemen love it, running backs and quarterbacks love it, but more importantly the opposition hates it. The love and appreciate for a style of play that routinely ends with a grass stain handed out to an opposing defender spreads to the collegiate level. When a high school player is getting after the opposition the way Justin Dedich does, all college coaches absolutely love it.

Nasty can misconstrued to those not in the football jargon universe. Nasty does not mean one plays dirty or unnecessary beyond the rules of the game but means when the ball is snapped said player is getting after it with all he has never relenting on the opposing player. Dedich personifies all the good that the term stands for enforcing his will for Chaparral High School against opposing California teams.

Dedich was a bright spot for the Pumas last season lining up at every position in the trenches. The 6-2, 280 pound, talent seemingly excelled everywhere he played but really stood out at either guard spot spreading fear along the way. Death and taxes may be a guarantee in life but so is a play being over for a defender if Dedich gets a hold of him. Showing speed and quickness off the snap with great pad level and balance, the Temecula area product played within himself but with power and force blowing open holes for his running back while keeping the pass rush off his quarterback.

The love and appreciate for Dedich’s style of play has been reinforced by college programs 21 different times in the form of scholarship offers. Among the many hoping Dedich will help anchor their line at the next level includes Arizona State, UCLA, Louisville, Colorado, Washington, Kansas, Iowa State, Nevada, Colorado State, Fresno State, Navy, Oregon State, Southern Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Oklahoma State, just to name a few.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the four-star California lineman covering his junior season, off-season workouts, and recruiting process to date.

Interview

Justin, how long have you been playing varsity level football?

“I actually started my freshman year. I was at a small private Christian school and played varsity there. I started varsity my sophomore year at Chaparral after sitting out five games (transfer rule).”

You played a lot of guard last season. Where all did you lineup on the field during your junior season?

“At the beginning of the season I played center for 2.5 games. I was everyone’s backup. If the left tackle went down I went in there. I played all five positions, left guard, right guard, left tackle, right tackle, and center.”

Which position do you like playing best?

“I like the interior spots best because I am smaller. I like either guard spot or center.”

Which position are college teams recruiting you to play?

“Certain schools are wanting me in the interior (guard) and some want me at center.”

How did your junior season play out on the field?

“Pretty well. I started out with some hard schools. I went hard and got some good film against those teams. As we went along the competition was a little bit easier. I got better and better.”

What areas of your game improved last year?

“For run blocking I definitely became more explosive off the ball. Once you get to know our offensive system it comes more naturally to you. Knowing the schemes and plays then the technique follows. That makes you an asset on the field.”

How did you prepare for each game during the week?

“Usually right after our Friday games film was up. On Saturdays I watched our film to critique myself. On Monday we watched film with the team. I work on my points I needed to improve upon throughout the week. I would always look at the guys I would go against to study how they play.”

You have that nasty streak in you on the field that college coaches love. What gets you fired up to compete at that level?

“I don’t know. I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder. I played soccer for 11 years, when I don’t do my best I don’t feel right. I want to be the best player out there and prove that.”

Did the coaches count how many pancake blocks did you collected last season?

“No.”

Which honors did you receive at the end of last season?

“This year Cal High Sports named me first team All-State for the 2018 class. I was first team All-League and first team All-Area.”

What are you working on this off-season?

“I’m definitely doing a lot of center reps. I did not get a lot of game time at center last year. I’m kind of new to it. Especially being in a base with a stagger, I need to work on it. Pass blocking out of center is easy for me, but run blocking out is something I need to strengthen for the next level and for high school.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this off-season?

“We max out again this coming week. The last time we maxed out was two or three months ago. Then my bench was 340 bench, squat was 510, and my deadlift was 590.”

Your deadlift is ridiculous. (he laughs) Which camps have you attended so far?

“The Nike Regional and the Under Armour All-American camp.”

How have the camps gone for you so far?

“They have gone well. At the Under Armour camp I felt like I did well but I did not understand that camp. At the Nike camp I was comfortable. I felt like I dominated.”

What other camps might you attend coming up?

“I’m going to Oregon (The Nike Opening) and I’m going to a Rivals camp on April 9.”

Are you going to any college camps this summer?

“I’m not sure yet. I may go to a Stanford camp.”

Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“After the Nike camp a couple more schools showed interest. Stanford, USC, Texas A&M, Oregon, and Princeton are the main ones.”

How many offers do you have?

“I have 21 offers.”

Are there any schools showing more interest above the others?

“I have not heard from many Mountain West schools for a while. The Pac-12 schools are all pushing hard, probably because I am a west coast kid.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“I have visited the local schools like USC and UCLA. I have also been to San Diego State, Cal, Washington, both Colorado schools, and Nevada.”

Do you have any unofficial visits coming up?

“I’m not sure for the spring, in the summer time – yes. I’m planning on visiting both Arizona schools. When I am in Oregon (Nike Opening) I will visit both Oregon schools. With the schools out east, we are trying to plan that out. We’ll see how that works out. I want to try to visit as many schools as possible that have offered. I want to know my options.”

Do you have a commit date or time of the year in mind?

“I want to wait until I take all of my visits. I want to really know. When I commit, I want to commit and not be iffy about it. When I commit I want to stay committed.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.7.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took SAT and received a 1050. I’m retaking it in May. I’m shooting for a 1200. That is the goal. I have been studying and this time I have a strategy.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“That is a hard one. Math.”

Are you playing any other sports?

“I was doing track but football blew up so I decided to stick with football. Before this year I was playing soccer, track, and football.”

What has the recruiting process been like for you overall?

“It has been a little stressful but it has been an honor with these blessing. I’m not taking anything for granted.”

When you make a decision on which school you choose to commit to or sign with, what are the key influencers that will lead you to that program?

“Definitely school first. Would I enjoy being at that school for four years without football? Will I like it there? Can I do it for four years? You never now with a coaching staff. It always changes. You can’t really commit on a coaching staff these days.”

Justin, thanks for your time today and congratulations on being invited to the Nike Opening.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Under Armour Camp Series; Justin Dedich at Under Armour All-American camp (2017).

Photo credit: hudl.com; Justin Dedich on the field (2016).

Photo credit: scout.com; Justin Dedich at the LA Nike Opening (March 2017).