Justin Dedich, one of the top centers in the nation, deserves more respect

With three losses up front for one of the best offensive lines in the nation, USC needed an anchor for 2023. Justin Dedich will be the captain and will switch back to playing center for USC this season.

The offensive line will most likely feature Florida transfer tackle Michael Tarquin, Jonah Monheim, Wyoming transfer Emmanuel Pregnon, and Washington State transfer Jarrett Kingston. Mason Murphy and Gino Quinones will be among the reserves.

Dedich led all Power Five guards with a 90 pass-blocking grade last year. The redshirt senior had the most pass-blocking snaps in the country without allowing a sack or hit this season (528).

Dedich started 13 games for USC last season. He played 10 games at right guard and three at left guard.

Pro Football Focus gave Dedich the seventh overall offensive grade among USC players who played at least 100 snaps in 2022. His pass blocking grade was the second-best among Trojan offensive linemen, behind Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Andrew Voorhees.

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.

I project Dedich will be a late Day 3 pick in the 2024 NFL draft and will go as high as the fourth round with his versatility, high IQ, and experience up front. The Temecula (Calif.) native is currently expected to go in Round 7 or as a UDFA.

Story originally appeared on Trojans Wire