The Nebraska Cornhuskers are expected to take the next step toward national relevance once again. But those plans could have been derailed if it weren’t for the decision-making of Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola.
In an interview with Jim Rome, coach Matt Rhule revealed Raiola had the opportunity to leave Lincoln for more lucrative opportunities (no schools mentioned), but Raiola stayed put.
“He could have taken the easy way out and left and gone into the portal and gone to someplace where he could start over, maybe where he doesn't have to do as much himself,” Rhule said. “But he chose to stick it out and fight. He came back and I've been excited to see where he's at."
Through Raiola’s development all season long, which ended with a bowl win to cap off the year, there were signs of growth.
“First year, you come in, to me, if you're a big-time recruit, it's about learning how to handle the pressure,” Rhule said. “Learning how to handle the frustrating moments. I think he did that really well. Highs and lows. We finished the year on a real uptick."
The Cornhuskers have their quarterback, and in a stacked Big Ten with much fanfare, that’s what matters.
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"Mentally, from a football perspective, it comes really easy to him," Rhule said. "But he's worked so hard at it. He knows everything inside and out. His body looks great. Tremendous shape. Where I see him growing is in the phases of leadership and the phases of mental toughness, handling adversity. And I think he's going to have a great year."
Nebraska opens with a neutral-site game against the Cincinnati Bearcats Thursday, Aug. 28.