1 player Dylan Raiola is committed again, this time to Georgia

Raiola is a 6-foot-3, 220-pound signal caller from Pinnacle High School in Phoenix, Arizona. He’s the son of former NFL offensive lineman Dominic Raiola, and he chose Georgia over USC and Nebraska.

“There’s a culture and a standard that I’m drawn to,” Raiola told ESPN. “The more time passed, the stronger I felt about Georgia and that ultimately led to this decision.”

This is the second commitment for Raiola, who originally announced for Ohio State in May 2022, over his parent’s alma mater, Nebraska, as well as Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame, Oregon and USC, among others. At the time, it was an important game for Buckeyes coach Ryan Day and his staff, but Raiola walked out on the Buckeyes on December 17, 2022.

When Raiola got out of the commitment, his dad told ESPN that Dylan wasn’t going to make an announcement anytime soon and that he wanted to take his time with his next decision. He made visits to Nebraska, USC, and Georgia. The Trojans made some headway once he paid a visit, but Georgia was always in the picture.

“I learned a lot from my first experience. This time around, I took my time and never felt rushed or pressured to commit,” Raiola said. “I have been able to have conversations with my family, my sponsors, and my mentors. Stability has allowed me to be patient and allow God to guide me.

“I appreciate every coach who has invested in getting to know me and my family.”

As a junior, Raiola threw for 2,435 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions. He threw for 3,341 yards, 32 touchdowns and five interceptions during his sophomore campaign, and has 11 touchdowns over the past two years.

Ohio State was able to fill his spot with ESPN 300 quarterback Air Noland, the No. 47 recruit overall, but neither Nebraska nor USC added a quarterback in their class of 2024. The Trojans signed their No. 1 quarterback for the 2023 tournament in Malachy Nelson, so it doesn’t hurt. Lincoln Riley and his staff should add a quarterback in 2024, unless it’s someone of Raiola’s caliber.

Nebraska added Georgia Tech transfer Jeff Sims in the offseason last year, but it’s likely he will continue to add another signal caller this cycle, whether it be a high school prospect or a transfer at the end of the season.

For Georgia, the Dogs didn’t sign a quarterback in 2023, but added ESPN 300 recruit Gunner Stockton in 2022. As of now, Stockton is on the roster with Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff, but Beck will be a senior once Raiola gets on campus And Beck and Vandagriff will both be young.

“The Georgia program is not dependent on one person or one group of positions,” Raiola said. “I am committed to growing and developing as a person and student athlete. I am excited to work with Coach (Mike) Bobo and Coach VanGorder.

“It’s quite unique how this would complete as Coach Bobo developed Uncle Matthew (Stafford) during his time at Georgia.”

The addition of a potential player like Raiola was crucial to the future success of Georgia’s offense, and he wouldn’t have to come in and start right away. But given his talent, he would push the other three players in the middle and try to see the field as close as possible.

With his commitment, Georgia now has nine ESPN 300 commitments, including two five-stars with Raiola and cornerback Ellis Robinson IV. Prior to his announcement, the Dawgs were ranked No. 1 overall and were only ahead of Ohio State and Michigan.

“The essence of (Georgia’s) success is the biggest factor,” Raiola said. “Coach (Kirby) Smart built this program to last, and I’m excited and honored to be a part of it. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, or in the weight room, I know I’m going to be pushed to be my best every single day.”