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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has dealt with his fair share of challenges, but the latest distraction this offseason didn't come from the playbook. Top quarterback prospect Dylan Raiola became the subject of intense speculation after reports and practice footage suggested he had packed on some extra weight, sparking debates about his fitness and readiness to lead the Huskers.
The 230-pound freshman quarterback found himself in the middle of an internet firestorm after a video of him at practice, wearing a jersey that looked visibly tight, began making the rounds.
Concerns were raised about whether his current frame could hinder his mobility, a key attribute for modern quarterbacks.
The online noise reached such a volume that Rhule had to step in publicly to defend his player-and to clear up some widespread misinformation.
"He won't be a great quarterback at 240 pounds," Rhule itted candidly during a recent media appearance. "Getting his body composition to one where he can be fleet of foot, where he can slide nimbly and move within the pocket, where he can convert third downs with his feet-I think that's something that we're all bought into, and he has to continue to do."
Setting the record straight
Addressing the growing controversy on the Huskers Online YouTube channel, Rhule set the record straight.
"I thought it was really poor on some people's parts," Rhule said, addressing the viral reaction. "Like if you went back and listened to what I said, I said [Dylan Raiola] knows he can't be 240. I didn't say he was 240, so people ran with that, and so it's unfortunate, right? I mean, I'm very marked with how I say things. I say things a specific way."
The coach also made a point to highlight how hard Raiola is working to improve his physical condition. "He's really working on his body composition," Rhule added. "He's a big man; he's going to be a big man."
While some critics see his weight as a red flag, others are quick to point out that Raiola isn't the first quarterback to play in that weight range.
The late Jared Lorenzen, a 6'4", 280-pound QB nicknamed the "Pillsbury Throw Boy," famously moved with surprising agility. He made a name for himself in the Ultimate Indoor Football League and spent time with the New York Giants. Cam Ward, another name brought into the conversation, proved effective in college despite weighing in the 240-250 range.
Rhule echoed that sentiment, noting that Raiola's size could offer long-term advantages.
"When I was growing up early in football, you wanted a big quarterback because they stay healthy, they're durable, they don't get pulled down in the pocket, they don't get knocked down. He's got big hands, he'll be able to throw in all types of weather," he said.