Panthers roar behind Dahlem’s tricks
Julian Dahlem finds the path to the end zone clear after he eluded Canon-McMillan defenders. Dahlem scored three times and picked up 174 yards rushing on 14 carries in Upper St. Clair’s 41-6 win against the Big Macs.
Julian Dahlem performs much like the breakfast foods he enjoys. As a member of the Upper St. Clair High School’s cereal club, he prefers Frosted Flakes and Lucky Charms.
So, just like Tony the Tiger, he’s great on the gridiron and his deeds are deliciously different such that he has been USC’s lucky charm.
In leading the Panthers to an 8-2 record last fall, Dahlem compiled more than 1,000 total yards of offense and racked up 10 touchdowns playing multiple positions from wide receiver to quarterback to slot back. As a defensive back, he totaled 30 tackles, picked off three passes and broke up three pass attempts.
This autumn, Dahlem again is a dominant force for the Panthers. He ranks as one of the WPIAL rushing leaders with 404 yards on 26 carries and five scores. He has also completed 12 of 23 aerials for three more touchdowns.
“Julian is just a special kid on the football field,” said USC skipper Mike Junko. “He has excellent vision and he has improved his speed, which has allowed him to run away from defenders.
“He plays the game so hard on every snap,” Junko continued. “His competitive DNA makes him different.”
Dahlem has his family to thank for that.
According to Dahlem, his mother, Jen, played “a bunch of sports” at Weir High School in West Virginia. His father, Eric, played baseball at Clearfield High School and football at Carnegie Mellon University. Mrs. Dahlem, however, allowed Dahlem to play football when he was 5.
Dahlem’s older brother, Ethan, proved to be his role model. A senior wide receiver at Case Western University, Ethan had a Hall of Fame career at USC, finishing his career with 5,226 yards and 55 total touchdowns, including 3,786 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns, and 1,440 rushing yards with 24 rushing touchdowns.
“Mom was the one who let me play and made me stick with it when things got tough. Like all the running, conditioning and hitting other kids,” said the 18-year-old Dahlem.
Dahlem noted, however, his brother played a “more influential” role in his life. Despite the age gap, the brothers played in some of the same leagues together, especially basketball.
“Because he was always older it wasn’t fair back then but it’s evening up now,” Dahlem said. “Things were always competitive between me and him. I was always battling him. He’s my biggest rival. One hundred percent that made me work and try harder.”
Other than his personal trainer, Wayne Capers, Dahlem acknowledged that his brother has taught him everything he knows. He also added that basketball has made him a better football player.
Dahlem has been a two-year captain of the basketball team. As the team’s starting point guard, he helped lead the Panthers to a WPIAL championship in March.
“Basketball really helps me with football. Seeing the lanes and open people on the field, which is core,” Dahlem said. “Basketball is a lot of footwork so that helps with being a receiver and, as a point guard and captain, you are leading the team in general.”
Junko agreed with Dahlem’s assessment.
“Julian has an innate ability to see the field and make the right cut,” he said.
Thanks to Dahlem, USC has carved out a lofty spot in the Class 5A of the WPIAL. The Panthers are ranked No. 3 behind defending champion Peters Township and Pine-Richland. Bethel Park follows in fourth position. The Indians and Black Hawks are in USC’s sights as the Panthers have dates with those conference adversaries on Sept. 27 and Oct. 11.
But Dahlem takes little credit for the team’s success, which he hopes continues long into the fall.
“My success is a credit to the O-line, opening things up for me and the other players on the team. We are all friends and we do everything together. I have been around these guys my whole life and we push each other to be the best we can be.”
Dahlem does whatever that takes. As a junior, he transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver but has filled in at the signal calling position when necessary this season.
When Ethan Hellmann suffered a concussion in the season-opener, Dahlem started against Canon-McMillan and, in a 41-6 victory, he rushed for 174 yards and scored three touchdowns. In a follow-up win against Franklin Regional, 45-7, Dahlem rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown on four carries while Hellmann returned at the controls, completing six aerials for 157 yards and two scoring strikes.
“Most likely I prefer to run the football because I am better at it. It feels great being a wide receiver. It was definitely new to me but having been a quarterback, reading coverages and understanding running routes, it has gotten a lot easier.
“Wherever they want me, anywhere the coach wants me to put me, I will play because my only goals are to win our conference and go from there,” Dahlem continued. “I feel we have a good shot and if I just be myself and do my best, I think that’s possible.”
Coach Junko agrees. He acknowledges that Dahlem’s team before me attitude is his biggest plus. However, his physical assets put USC in the best position to achieve.
“Julian is a selfless teammate. His focus is always on what is best for the team,” Junko said. “As an offense we have to make sure that Julian gets his touches. When his hands are on the ball, big things happen.”
Julian Dahlem
Bio Box
Age: 18
Birthdate: Aug. 13
Parents: Jen and Eric
Siblings: Ethan and Carter
Sports: Football, basketball
Activities: Cereal Club, Spike Ball
College: Undecided
Major: Finance or sports management
Food: My mom’s Chicken Alfredo
Color: Baby blue
Restaurant: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Book: The Great Gatsby
Song: Point Guard by NoCap
Movie: Avengers: Endgame
Athlete: Koby Bryant
Dream Destination: Dubai
People might be surprised to know this about you: I used to play the piano but school and sports got to be too much.
Person with whom you would like to have dinner: Michael Jordan
Lesson sports has taught you: No matter how hard the journey is, you will always have people supporting you.
In 15 years I will be: Enjoying life with my wife and kids and being financially stable.