Raiola works through first fall camp, staying focused on competing
LINCOLN, NEB. - For most freshman college football players, the first weeks of practice, and even on campus, are filled with trying to figure out where classes are at, while also trying to impress during fall camp.
However, for five-star freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, he’s managing being a leader and handling the pressure of national attention, in the midst of a competition for the role of Huskers starting quarterback.
“He’s just one of the guys, working to improve everyday, he holds himself to a high standard and what he says is who he is,”
Huskers Offensive Line Coach, and Dylan’s uncle, Donovan Raiola says he’s seen Dylan develop since he set foot on campus last spring, not only as a player, but as a leader.
Quarterbacks Coach Glenn Thomas says he sees Raiola’s confidence as a leader.
“There’s a confidence you hear in tone of voice,” Thomas said. “Somebody runs the wrong route, you let him know. Just the confidence of a procetciton call, or let’s challenge Ben Scott (Huskers Center), ‘Hey, this what I see, I want to do this.’ The conviction of making those calls, that only comes with confidence.”
Raiola also is working to block out the noise and focusing in on his freshman season. Earlier this week, NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill and Patrick Mahomes even taking to Twitter noting the similarities in appearance.
Raiola says family is a way of staying focused.
“To have my uncle and now sister working here, to have family in the building is a comforting feeling to have,” Raiola said.
Nebraksa is looking to cut back on turnovers this year, having gone -17 in turnover margin in 2023. Raiola knows the importance of taking care of the football.
“You can’t win games if you turn the ball over,” Raiola said. “A lot of people have been through that and have seen it. The new guys know we’re not going to turn the ball over and put points up on the board.”
Husker coaches and players have all been excited about the pieces they have on offense, particularly at wide receiver and tight end. With experience at both positions, Raiola says confidence is high between himself and his potential targets.
“I think we have a special core, special group… It’s build on a foundation of trust and work,” Raiola said. “We came in January, not really knowing what the room was going to look like adding Jahamal (Banks) and Isaiah (Neyor Jr.), but you put a lot of new guys in a room, it doesnt really matter you have to come together and you have to work.”
Head Coach Matt Rhule has not yet named a starter as the quarterback job remains a competition between junior Heinrich Haarberg, freshman Daniel Kaelin and Dylan Raiola.
Husker fans can see all three QB’s in action on Saturday night, with "Big Red Preview" set for 6:30 at Memorial Stadium. The open practice is being put on by 1890, with entry $25.