Interview: 2021 Upland RB Julian Dedman is Set for Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There has been a tidal wave build of momentum on the gridiron for Class of 2021 running back Julian Dedman. The 5-9, 181-pound, all-purpose back received significant playing time during Upland’s championship run in 2018 carrying the rock 52 times for 350 yards with a score while pulling in an 8-yard pass. His junior run was an escalation of productivity running 80 times for 473 yards with four trips into the end zone and pulled down three passes in the Highlanders run-heavy offense for 28 yards. Now, Dedman is ready to carry the Highlanders on his back with the team looking for another championship run in 2020.
The talents showcased by Dedman have brought in offers from Florida Atlantic and Nevada with interest rising. In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the Southern California native learning more about his growing skillset with an overview on his recruiting opportunities.
Interview
Julian, you’ve been a consistent presence in the backfield for Upland over the past two seasons. During the 2019 campaign, how did you see your talents as a ball carrier improve?
“My carrying and vision improved a lot, to be honest. My sophomore year opened my eyes that it is a different game at the varsity level; the game speed and the up-tempo pace, that helped me adjust. My blocking improved a lot this past season. Over the offseason I hit the weight room, I got stronger.”
What were some of the designed plays called putting the ball in your hands?
“It was more inside zone, reading my blocks and go. I did some outside runs, but not too much. I was getting some screen passes. Not too many tosses, I was going mostly up the gut.”
Which game last season was your best game?
“My best game was against Crenshaw, that was my best. I was fully healthy. I went for over 170 yards with two touchdowns, I’m not sure how many carries I had. That was my breakout game.”
Where all might we see you on the field during your senior season?
“Running back for sure. I am trying to play defense; I don’t care where. I want to play special teams. I want to play all over the field to show my versatility. Where I play, it is up to my coaches.”
With offseason workouts in full-swing, what are you working on with your game?
“I’m working on speed and stopping and going. I am doing track currently. I am working on my speed, form, and my breakaway speed. I’m working on my cuts and my reads.”
Do you know which track events you will compete in this spring?
“I’m not sure yet. We’ve been practicing, I might do the 100. I don’t know.”
This spring, are you going to any camps?
“Yes. I am going to the UA (Under Armour) camp on Feb. 9, and I might be going to a Rivals camp.”
Are you playing 7v7 this spring as well? If so, which team are you playing for?
“Ground Zero.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“UNLV, they’ve been heavy. I’ve received letters from others, but not as consistent as UNLV.”
I know you’ve received a couple of offers, which schools have offered?
“Florida Atlantic and Nevada.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits over the last few months?
“Yes. I went to Miami, Arizona State, and FAU.”
How did the FAU visit go?
“It went well. I like the school a lot. It is big. Their weight room program is elite. I feel like the coaches, they were very welcoming.”
And the ASU visit, how did that go?
“That went well also. I tried on the jersey and took a tour. I saw all the greats that came out of the school. The coaches are down to earth too. Hopefully I can get back soon.”
Julian, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps and workous.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Dedman family; Julian Dedman at Arizona State