Why Tennessee Didn't Pursue Dylan Raiola
Quarterback Dylan Raiola was the biggest player to watch on the market from the 2024 class. Up until yesterday, that is. Raiola, the No. 1 player in the class and son of a longtime NFL veteran, decided to commit to Georgia. Now, Raiola was an interesting case. He was originally committed to Ohio State a little over a year ago but then dropped his commitment and reopened the hunt for his services on December 17th of last year.
With Raiola back to looking for a home, it was fair to wonder if the Tennessee Volunteers were going to stick their name into the hat. As it turns out, they would not. With 5 star class of 2023 QB Nico Iamaleava early enrolled and already having been with the team, as well as the recently committed class of 2024 quarterback Jake Merklinger, there was no need in the eyes of Josh Heupel to add another young signal caller into the mix.
This shows that the Tennessee brass has the utmost confidence in both of these guys. Iamaleava arrived for Orange Bowl prep back in December as an early enrollee, and everyone around him has said he has been a sponge soaking in things from everyone. Guys like Heupel and veteran quarterback Joe Milton III have been instrumental in making Nico feel ready for when his number is called. The five-star has immense potential, but aside from him, once Merklinger enters the fold, they seem to be confident in what he can do.
Coming from the state of Georgia, Merklinger will come in no stranger to elite competition. With Iamaleava likely being the Vols QB at that time, he can do for Jake what Joe Milton has done for him and what Hendon Hooker did for Milton prior. Heupel's quarterback rooms have one common theme. Leadership mixed with unselfishness. Things like that will make you feel alright about not getting in the running for a guy like Dylan Raiola.
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