The anticipation has been building all summer and through fall camp. Now, the moment Husker fans have been waiting for is official. Dylan Raiola has been named the starting quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. It’s something we all knew was going to be declared, but there was always the faint doubt in our minds about “is he really good enough to lead this team” or “are they going to give Haarberg the spot because of his experience”. That doubt was erased this week as Dylan Raiola was officially named QB1 for the Huskers.
“In the realm of college dreams where purpose takes flight,
Enter Dylan Raiola, crafting his narrative in the night.
Once lured by Georgia, where powerhouse glory gleamed,
Yet Nebraska’s purpose in his heart brightly beamed.” – Dylan Raiola
Raiola’s path was bumpy on the way to Nebraska, with many letdowns for Husker fans. With short stops at Ohio State and the University of Georgia Raiola finally remembered where his home was and landed in Lincoln. This wasn’t just a recruitment to him, it was an opportunity to get out the buffer and re-shine the Big Red block “N” to its once coveted glory. Being the highest rated recruit in Husker Football History, surpassing names like Suh and Lucky. Raiola’s talent and work ethic has been on display since day one. Coaches seemed to tamper expectations by not speaking of the matter much, but it was hard to hide it from Husker fans after his spring game performance.
Along with being named the starter this week, Raiola was also named to both On3’s and 247Sports’s preseason true freshman All-American list. The Huskers will take the field on August 31st in an out of conference game against UTEP where all eyes will be on Memorial Stadium and the true freshman quarterback. Dylan Raiola’s year will most likely closely resemble his recruiting experience, at times it may not be perfect and seem bumpy but hopefully he will end up getting the team to where they need to go. We will all need to periodically take a step back and remember that he is a true freshman playing in the toughest conference in the country, but i do believe with the amazing supporting cast Coach Rhule and Company has surrounded his with that Raiola will be able to grow and mature into a player the whole state will rally behind.
There was a famous philosopher from the state of Nebraska by the name of Hartley Alexander. We all know his work, and I think as a Nebraskan his work resonates with all of us. It also sums up Raiola’s journey to Nebraska and what he and Coach Rhule attempt to do here. The last line has always stuck with me, I think as we analyze it, it sticks with most Nebraskans to a point of pride “In the deed the glory”. It is more than just the end of a short poem, it is more than just the wise words of a well spoken man. It is the embodiment of the farmer missing the Husker game and countless hours at home when harvesting 17 hour days. It’s the parents, doing everything they can to make sure their kids grow up with a better life than they grew up with. It’s the small business owner building something that they can be proud of, and it’s what Rhule, Raiola and company intend to do here at Nebraska. Put in the work, and reap the rewards. Focus on the daily task, and take pride in what you are doing because no matter how small, it will not be insignificant. And always remember that “in the deed, the glory”
