Oregon’s Dante Moore uncovers key responsibilty in supporting ex-Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore and Nebraska Cornhuskers transfer quarterback Dylan Raiola have started to form a cordial, yet business-like relationship under the direction of coach Dan Lanning.
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The Ducks were bounced against the eventual national champion Indians Hoosiers in this past season’s College Football Playoff as they lost the Peach Bowl 56-22.
With Raiola’s arrival after an apparently shaky exit in Lincoln, Moore told On3 Raiola has already started embracing the culture shift that has made winning a priority under Lanning in Eugene.
“More of it was, with Dylan coming in and kind of playing the role like Dillon Gabriel did for me when I first came in,” Moore said. “Making sure that I was in tune with things when it came to the offense. Always there to help Dylan out, just to push him at practice and push him in the weight room. Just be that energy source that he needs and make sure he gets through his days.”
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Moore had nothing but good things to say about Raiola despite the mixed social media fandom (or disrespect) thrown his direction.
“He’s a great guy,” Moore said. “He has great energy, a great dude to be around. I’m excited for this future.”
Moore recalled a conversation where he acted as a mentor to Raiola and said he hopes those raw, unfiltered conversations about life, football and everything in-between translate to the pair becoming a more collective, communicative mainstay in the quarterback room.
“Of course, Dylan Raiola, when he came in, he talked to me,” Moore said. “He opened up the table and just vented to me about things he needs to work on, things he can help me with. And I really appreciate that.”
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Moore said he doesn’t want both of their roles to feel like competition and more so each one hyping the other one up when good things happen on and off the field.
“It won’t be more of a big-bro, little-bro,” Moore said. “It’ll be more of a, that’s my teammate and we’re trying to get each other better.”
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The Ducks’ schedule certainly presents some unique Big Ten challenges, which includes them welcoming the Cornhuskers to Autzen Stadium Saturday, Oct. 17.
Considering the potential circumstances, Raiola could find himself playing against his old team which could add add an even greater, more eye-opening chapter to an already chaotic story.
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As the fall gets closer, so will the anticipation of the potential conference swing game.
