Freshman Dylan Raiola has been named Nebraska’s starting quarterback, the team announced Wednesday. The long-expected move puts the former five-star prospect under an early microscope as the Cornhuskers seek to reach a bowl game for the first time since 2016.
Originally committed to Georgia, Raiola flipped his commitment to the Cornhuskers in December and began dazzling during spring practice. His top competitor for the job was junior Heinrich Haarberg, who played in 10 games for the Cornhuskers last season.
Early on, it was evident that Raiola might be the man to beat. The 6-foot-3 signal-caller connected on 16 of 22 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns in the Cornhuskers’ spring game. Still, Rhule was hesitant to publicly anoint him the starter, saying as recently as Aug. 17 that, “we have three guys who we feel like can lead us to win.”
Based on sheer talent, however, Raiola stood out in the competition before he ever stepped foot on campus. He finished the 2024 recruiting cycle ranked the No. 7 overall player and No. 2 quarterback by 247Sports. He is considered the program’s second-highest rated commitment of the 247Sports era.
While there is clearly superstar potential within Raiola’s orbit, the Cornhuskers also need a QB who can handle the basics. Three players split quarterback reps for the team last season, but none of them threw more touchdowns than interceptions as Nebraska finished 129th nationally in turnover margin at -17. Thus, Raiola’s job starts with merely taking care of the football as the Cornhuskers seek to make progress in Rhule’s second season.
Nebraska opens the season on Aug. 31 against a UTEP team picked to finish ninth in Conference USA. While that contest will provide Raiola with a manageable debut, the…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/nebraska-names-dylan-raiola-starting-qb-matt-rhule-cornhuskers-turn-to-freshman-legacy-for-2024-season/
Author : David Cobb
Publish date : 2024-08-21 15:49:33
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