Nebraska's Donovan Raiola details OL progress entering second season

Along with philosophical and systemic alignment, continuity was one of the primary reasons for retaining offensive line coach Donovan Raiola on Matt Rhule’s staff. Now entering his second year in Lincoln, the assistant is seeing some of the first fruits of consistency within the position group.

“It’s a process with offensive line play right?” Raiola told the Huskers Radio Network. “They learn new techniques, new kinds of language. So, everything was new last year. I’m just really excited going into my second year with these guys and their comfort level is totally different.”

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While the language Raiola uses remains similar, there were some new things the offensive line had to learn this spring for Marcus Satterfield’s offense. Raiola said he saw gradual improvement in that area through roughly a month of spring ball.

The former three-time All-Big Ten selection at Wisconsin, who played six years as a lineman in the NFL, offered his thoughts on another key Rhule change. Practicing on grass will be a focus for the Huskers in the new regime.

“I always loved playing on grass,” Raiola said. “As you get older, you realize it’s so much better on your body. At times the turf feels nice and comfortable and you love running around on it. But over time, you see it takes a toll on your back, knees, joints, hips and all those different things. You don’t realize it in the moment until you get older. That grass is going to be awesome out there and it looks really nice, too.”

Raiola has focused strongly on building chemistry within his unit during his time at Nebraska. He has often said he wants five guys to play with one set of eyes and to reach that goal Raiola’s linemen have to spend time outside of football together and hold each other accountable.

“Knowing like, ‘Hey, that guy to my left, that guy to my right has my back,'” Raiola said. “That’s so important so when you play, no matter what the situation is, you’re never going to be too high or too low right? You’re always going to face some form of adversity but knowing your brother has your back, that’s big.”

The unity within the offensive line is a good spot according to Raiola.

“Being together all the time, it’s really special,” he said. “They love being together and that’s a great thing.”

Player notes from Raiola

Raiola offered an update on each of the linemen in his position group.

Teddy Prochazka: “I’m excited for Teddy. He’s really taking steps. Improving his body, improving his movement, and his conditioning. He’s ready to go. He’s back and he’s had an offseason of workouts, offseason training, and I’m really excited for Teddy.”

Turner Corcoran: “Turner is a special, special young man. He’s really taken on a leadership role being up front. He does it by setting the example and he’ll speak up when he needs to. I’m excited for Turner. He’s working on his strength, working on his mobility, all those good things. So, we’ll see a big improvement from Turner.”

Ethan Piper: “I just love his energy. He’s the same person every day. He’s really taken that leadership role and he’s a great example for everyone on the team, not just the offensive line.”

Bryce Benhart: “Bryce has really improved his strength. He’s still working hard at it, his mobility. Bryce, he’s just growing and growing. It takes time for an offensive lineman going from high school to college especially at this level. This is Big Ten football. This is top notch. Really looking forward to Bryce having a great year.”

Nouredin Nouili: “It’s great to have Nouri back and he’s focused, working his butt off. He’s a special player. He’s still learning. He’s still going through that process of understanding the game and doing those things.”

Ben Scott: “Ben is a smart player. He’s very experienced and he kinda settles the group, just understanding the game. He’s going to be a great player for us.”

Henry Lutovsky: “I think Henry is going to play a big role for us. He’s just getting stronger, more experienced, and understanding the game. He works his tail off and he’s really focused. He’s a sponge. You’ll tell him something and he’ll do it exactly how you asked.”

Jacob Hood and Tyler Knaak: “They’re both working hard, getting up to the standard, and the older guys, the guys that have been here are really helping them come along. They’re really excited for Tyler and what he brings to us. He’ll develop well and he’ll work his butt off.”

Gunnar Gottula: “He’s a smart young man who really took to the unit and just kinda follows those older guys around and learns a lot from those guys. He’s focused and working hard in the weight room on his mobility and strength.

“I think he can play multiple spots, guard and tackle. I think he’s big enough and definitely tough enough to play both spots.”

Justin Evans-Jenkins: “Justin’s a talented dude. He’s working hard in the weight room, strong guy and he’s tough as nails. I’m excited for his development as he gains experience and gets better and better.”

Sam Sledge: “I love how Sam works. He’s very focused with everything he does, on the field and off the field. He’s a conscientious young man and I’m really excited to see him take his steps and grow.”

Brock Knutson: “Brock is doing a good job of figuring things out as a freshman. He’s just taken to the standard and he works his tail off. Him, Sam, Gunnar, they’re all in the same group. They really work hard together and kinda looking up to each other.”