Before California and Utah kick off Saturday in Salt Lake City, the Golden Bears’ center Dominic Granado might do something no other player on field will do with referee Michael Batlan.
“I’ll probably give him a hug,” Dominic said.
At first glance it’s a bizarre scene for most to comprehend. However, the redshirt junior from Huntington Beach, Calif. is the son of Pac-12 official Al Granado who introduced and taught his son the game. Furthermore, he has left a career path for Dominic to follow.
“I pretty much know at least one official at every game,” Dominic said. “They’re like family to me. I’ve had Thanksgiving dinners at their house. I’ve known [Batlan] since I was little.”
Al, who is currently taking a leave of absence from Pac-12 officiating while Dominic is in college, has been in the football officiating business for 30 years now. He’s nearing his 20th with the Pac-12 Conference.
“I go to most [of Dominic’s games],” Al said. “I usually sit up in the press box with the officials and watch the game from there. I can see everything better than in the stands and I can closely watch on the televisions.”
Al played college football as a center at Humboldt State. After graduating, a friend got him started on officiating. Highly recruited as a referee, Al quickly made his way through the ranks to become a staple in Pac-12 officiating.
Al has refereed some of Cal’s biggest conference games in recent memory, most notably in 2003 when the Bears’ defeated then No. 3 USC in triple overtime in Berkeley. He also was a referee the following year in Los Angeles when No. 1 USC and No. 7 Cal faced off in one of the biggest games in Bears’ history.
“During that game I saw Lee Corso on the field and he told me there was more NFL talent on that field that day than in any other game he’d ever seen,” Al recalled.
While Al traveled the country refereeing games, right by his side for most of it was young Dominic who grew to love football more and more with every trip.
“My best memories as a kid growing up were going to college practices and games with my dad while he worked,” Dominic said. “It was fun because it was sort of a family thing and I got to go to a lot of cool places and big games like the Sugar Bowl.”
As Dominic got older his dad became more involved in his football career as a coach. After spending a couple of years at Golden West College, the budding offensive lineman started to gain attention from Pac-12 coaches.
“He’s real athletic,” said Cal run game coordinator and offensive line coach Brandon Jones. “He’s done an absolutely remarkable job moving from tackle to center and taking on the responsibilities.”
In 2015, Dominic joined an experienced and veteran starting offensive line unit that currently is one of the least penalized in the FBS. Through five games the Bears’ offensive line has only been called for four penalties. Jones said prior to the season the offensive line agreed to have a goal of finishing the regular season with 10 or fewer penalties, which they’re on track to accomplish. Dominic has yet to draw a whistle from a referee.
Dominic described his dad as a strict parent with regards to studies, football and how he carries himself. Jones said he’s never before coached a player whose parent was an official but definitely believes Dominic has learned a great deal of discipline and knowledge from his dad.
“He’s taught me technique, the rules and definitely how to respect the officials,” Dominic said of his dad. “We talk after every game and go over everything. He’s always been there for advice.”
When Cal decided to move Dominic from tackle to center to fill a need both he and his father were ecstatic. Though Dominic said he’d happily play at whatever position the coaches asked him, they both believe his best opportunity to play at the next level will be at center because of his athleticism. As a 6-foot-4 nearly 300-pound lineman Granado can quickly get down the field at a sub five-second 40-yard dash rate.
But once he is no longer snapping the ball and his football career comes to an end that athleticism will come in handy at his next job, which he says will absolutely be a referee.
“He’d make a great official,” Al said. “He understands the game, knows the rules and he’s pretty level headed.”
Al, who has been officiating in the Arena Football League during the summer, plans to return to Pac-12 refereeing in some capacity after Dominic graduates next year. As for Dominic, he knows no one will hand him a job as a Pac-12 referee and is fine with making his way up the ladder like his father before him.
“There’s no doubt I want to be an official,” Dominic said. “For now, though, my focus is this team, graduating and enjoying my time wearing the pads.”
