Next up for Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola? Some work with "Pat and Bobby," he says, as in Patrick Mahomes and Mahomes' trainer
Dylan Raiola wowed a lot of Nebraska football fans on Saturday.
Now, he’ll take some time off.
OK, not a lot of it.
“Time off might be like a day or two,” he told reporters following his excellent performance in the Red-White Spring Game before 60,452 spectators in Memorial Stadium.
He has classes to finish before the semester break.
“Then I’ll probably head to Kansas City to go work with Pat and Bobby,” he said.
Raiola, a true freshman, means Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Bobby Stroupe, who’s trained Mahomes for years.
“Just trying to elevate my game, be around great people and also rest my body when time is needed,” Raiola said after completing 16 of 22 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception that sailed through a receiver’s hands.
Instant Takes: Nebraska Red-White Spring Game
Raiola says he “wants to be around greatness”
He said he isn’t sure exactly what sort of work he’ll do with Mahomes and Stroupe.
“I just want to be around greatness,” he said. “Obviously, (Mahomes) is going down as one of the greats already. Just trying to take it all in and try to elevate my game as much as I can.”
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Raiola notes he has worked previously with Stroupe.
“I think the best thing he focuses on is his flexibility in uncomfortable positions,” Raiola said.
Raiola said it’s about staying loose and flexible, which may help him avoid hits and improve durability.
He said he wasn’t entirely sure if the work would be with just Mahomes or just Stroupe.
“I just want to get work in,” he said.
Raiola determined to help NU return to greatness
Those close to Raiola will tell you he has a strong desire to someday play in the NFL. He definitely shows that sort of arm talent — yes, already — and he apparently understands the game at a high level.
He also is determined to help Nebraska’s program return to greatness. It drives him daily.
His hard work paid off Saturday. His performance was an eye-opener for anyone who hasn’t watched him play.
No question, the day was special for him.
“I fought back tears walking out of the tunnel for the Tunnel Walk,” said the eldest son of former Nebraska All-American center Dominic Raiola. “Growing up as a kid, that’s what I knew and that’s what I watched.”
He quickly settled into the task at hand.
Much like Mahomes does on Sundays.
