Justin Dedich announces he will return to USC for 2023, huge boost for Trojans’ O-line

This is absolutely enormous news for #USC. The Trojans have their starting center and can build depth around Justin Dedich. The O-line just got a lot better.

USC Trojan team captain and starting offensive lineman Justin Dedich is returning for next season and will play center in 2023.

The 6-foot-2, 305-pound Dedich was a highly touted prospect at the position in 2018, rated the No. 65 overall prospect and the No. 1 center via the 247Sports rankings.

Justin Dedich has primarily played guard throughout his USC career, but he stepped into the starting lineup at center to replace an injured Brett Neilon at various times in 2019, 2020 and 2022. Dedich finished the Pac-12 Championship Game against Utah at center when Neilon suffered an injury. He then started the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic versus Tulane at center as well.

Dedich brings back plenty of experience, having played in 35 games with 20 starts in his career.

Left guard Andrew Voorhees and center Brett Neilon were both All-Americans in 2022. They have both moved on to the NFL, and Bobby Haskins has as well, so there is a void for the Trojans on the O-line. protecting Caleb Williams is a must for USC to win, but the Trojans have some very talented replacements coming in.

Dedich staying is huge, given that USC retains a dependable lineman and won’t be squeezed nearly as much. The Trojans have more depth and quality and can create more options now.

The Trojans landed two veterans, former Florida right tackle Michael Tarquin and former Washington State lineman Jarrett Kingston, and are looking to do more damage through the portal in the 2023 offseason.

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