Huskies Find Unexpected Center Gem in Sam Houston Transfer

Kolt Dieterich, a 6-foot-6, 305-pound transfer from Sam Houston State, has earned the starting center position for the University of Washington's football team's season opener against Washington State. This move comes even with other options available, due to Dieterich's impressive performance and adaptability. Coach Jedd Fisch described Dieterich as exceptionally bright, noting his ability to quickly grasp new concepts and communicate effectively. Dieterich arrived at UW in the spring as a tackle and was dealing with a shoulder injury, but his strength, size, and length were immediately apparent. Despite being unable to participate in contact drills in April, his quick adaptation to guard and then center impressed the coaching staff. Fisch emphasized Dieterich's lack of positional limitations, stating he is not 'pigeonholed' into one role. Dieterich acknowledged the adjustment to center, including making calls and managing the cadence, a step up from his previous tackle duties. He is expected to hold the starting center spot until Landen Hatchett returns in September. Coach Fisch anticipates using Dieterich's flexibility extensively throughout his two seasons with the Huskies, potentially labeling him as an 'or' at any offensive line position on the depth chart.