Nebraska is heading into the 2024 season with some vital intrigue. The Cornhuskers should not solely in 12 months 2 of the Matt Rhule period, however carrying one in all their greatest recruiting wins in latest reminiscence on the roster with five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola.
Raiola is the son of a former Nebraska All-American Dominic Raiola and the nephew of present offensive line coach Donovan Raiola. His arrival in Lincoln didn’t come as a shock based mostly on the college ties, however the truth that Nebraska received a recruiting battle that, at occasions, included commitments to each Ohio State and Georgia drew consideration from throughout the school soccer panorama. This is likely one of the prime quarterbacks within the class, and together with his 6-foot-3, 220-pound body, there’s not numerous “have to develop” related together with his projections. If Raiola can competently run the offense, he’ll have an opportunity to begin, and for the reason that Cornhuskers have not had a participant of his caliber on the quarterback place in a bit, there may be going to be numerous pleasure about what he can accomplish, whilst a real freshman in 2024.
Raiola did nothing to quiet the thrill about his potential in Nebraska’s spring recreation, throwing for 239 yards and two touchdowns on 16 of twenty-two passing with a number of highlight-worthy performs.
First got here a 64-yard dime to Jaylen Lloyd, the main receiver for the day, to place the Pink crew up 14-7 within the second quarter.
The excellent news for Nebraska is that whereas the thrill round Raiola, together with his five-star profile and All-American pedigree, was vital, it was not as if his declare to QB1 was pre-determined. Heinrich Haarberg, the one returning quarterback with beginning expertise from final season, confirmed out as nicely with with two landing passes and no interceptions.
Rhule ought to really feel a lot better about his quarterback scenario heading into 2024. The place was a legal responsibility final season, and at occasions, the rationale why the Cornhuskers have been arising brief in shut video games. Haarberg with out turnovers generally is a succesful choice with expertise, whereas Raiola gives a a lot larger upside along with being the participant for the longer term.
There’s at all times a little bit of warning when reacting to spring recreation stats and performances, notably since we all know coaches typically “script” the outcomes to assist push the suitable buttons for his or her crew, however even in a scripted consequence it is clear that each Raiola and Haarberg had a very good day. That is a giant increase for Nebraska heading into the summer season, and a very good signal because the Huskers declare their spot in an expanded Large Ten that may welcome 4 aggressive packages this summer season.
