Football

No. 1 QB recruit Dylan Raiola commits to Georgia: 'I play for God'

By Joshua Doering May 16, 2023
Georgia commit Dylan Raiola (left) with Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. (Photo via Twitter/@RaiolaDylan)

The two-time defending national-champion Georgia Bulldogs got their quarterback of the future Monday, securing a commitment from five-star recruit Dylan Raiola. Dylan — ranked as the top prospect in the class of 2024 by ESPN, Rivals and 247 Sports — is the son of former NFL offensive lineman Dominic Raiola.

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https://twitter.com/RaiolaDylan/status/1658153736232128513?s=20

Originally committed to Ohio State, Dylan reopened his recruitment in December and placed his trust in God as he went through the recruiting process a second time.

“I learned a lot from my first experience. This time around, I took my time and never felt rushed or pressured to commit,” he told ESPN. “I was able to have conversations with my family, my pastors and mentors. The stability allowed me to be still, be patient and allow God to guide me.”

Dylan threw for 3,341 yards and 32 touchdowns in his sophomore season before transferring to Chandler (Arizona) High School, where he recorded 2,435 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior. He will play his final season at Pinnacle High School in Phoenix.

Two of Dominic’s teammates with the Detroit Lions — Jon Kitna and Matthew Stafford — have been part of developing Dylan into the country’s top quarterback prospect. Stafford even shared what his experience at Georgia was like to give Dylan a better idea of what he could expect if he decided to become a Bulldog.

Dylan keeps his faith at the center of his life and was baptized earlier in his high school career. The first things listed in his Twitter bio are Colossians 3:23 and “AO1,” which stands for audience of One.

Dominic is proud of the spiritual growth he has seen in his son as he continues to pursue a relationship with Christ.

“He’s a good kid,” Dominic said in 2022. “We’re proud of the person he is. We’re proud of the brother he is, son he is, teammate he is. Faith is a big part of who he is. He got baptized last year during the season and we’re proud of that choice he made, and this is a journey he’s on and proud of the relationship he has with Jesus.”

Back in March, Dylan and his family met former NFL player Derwin Gray after a service at Transformation Church in South Carolina, the church Gray now pastors. Gray posted pictures with the Raiola family and a video of him throwing with Dylan on social media.

Dylan quote tweeted one of Gray’s tweets, saying, “It’s amazing how God works to bring His people together!”

With his next destination decided, Dylan can turn all his attention back to preparing for his final high school season. Pinnacle reached the state championship game last year.

However, whether he’s playing at the high school, college or professional level, Dylan’s top priority is honoring God. Everything else is secondary.

“The reason why I play this game, first of all, is I play for God,” he said last year. “My religion is first in everything I do. Without God, I wouldn’t be able to do anything I do now. He’s gifted me with talents and abilities. I think if I don’t use them in the correct way, that’s not honoring God. That’s my first and foremost ‘why.’”

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