Matt Rhule gives his view on the excitement for Dylan Raiola at Nebraska
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has brought with a ton of interest with him to Lincoln. It’s more than about just having a former five-star on campus, though, according to Matt Rhule.
Rhule spoke about Raiola and the energy around him during an appearance on ‘The Next Round.’ Simply put, he’s unlike most players and people that walk into their respective college programs.
“Well, I think he’s a unique young man,” said Rhule.
That naturally starts with the prospect that Raiola is. He arrives as the No. 21 recruit, No. 3 QB, and No. 2 player from the state of Georgia per On3’s 2024 Industry Rankings.
Rhule could see the ability from the moment that he first laid eyes on him. In watching him, he saw the quarterback that he was always looking for while scouting with the Carolina Panthers.
“He has got all the arm talent,” said Rhule. “You know, I remember going out and watching him practice in high school when I first got here. I’ll just tell you, like, obviously, with my time in the NFL, which didn’t really work out, I was always at all the quarterback draft pro days trying to find a guy that could lead the franchise. When I watched him throw, I’d say, wow, he throws as a junior in high school better than all those guys I saw at pro days or at least on par – I don’t want to degrade anyone. So, I mean, he has amazing arm talent.”
However, Raiola has also proven to be more than just his talent so far. Firstly, he has impressed them with who he is as a person. Secondly, he has taken on studying and learning the game in order to play the position at its best.
“Then, when you get him here, he’s respectful, he’s loyal, and he understands hard work,” said Rhule.
“Like, he understands that, like, you know, if you want to be great at this, it’s not about how well you throw the ball. You have to know where to throw the ball, when. You have to make the right decisions,” Rhule added. “I mean he is watching film all the time. He’s here early with the guys.”
Raiola is already in contention to be Nebraska’s starting quarterback for a reason based on what he brings. It’s the rest of that early resumé, though, that has led to this much excitement for the future of the ‘Huskers with him.
“You find a guy with great talent who also has a tremendous work ethic and high character? I think, you know, you can hear why people have so much excitement at Nebraska about having him here,” said Rhule.