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Matt Rhule shares positive remarks on Heinrich Haarberg, Dylan Raiola ahead of pivotal training camp battle

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Matt Rhule is not unaware of the pressure facing the quarterback room in Nebraska this season. However, he sounded extremely optimistic about the potential in the room ahead of training camp.

Coming off the disasters of last season, all eyes will be on the QB battle with hopes for a cleaner performance. Heinrich Haarberg is the only returner from a trio of QBs that played extensively in 2023.

The good news is that Haarberg saw the most action from that group and was dynamic in the running game. The bad news is he had the worst completion percentage on the roster.

More good news was provided by Rhule during his Tuesday press conference when he described Haarberg as a video game “make a player” for his size and explosiveness as an athlete. Rhule also said the QB has been among the top performers for the program every day throughout the summer.

That is all related to Haarberg’s physical tools which is just one part of the puzzle for a player of his caliber. Now, Rhule says he wants to see a mastery of the offense — including Haarberg’s accuracy with the ball — to “where you’re unconsciously able to perform.”

“I’m anxious to see the growth that Heinrich’s made because I’m sure he’s made a ton of it,” proclaimed Rhule. “He’s a huge part of this team and he’s going to have great days ahead. We look forward to seeing him.”

Considering Haarberg is coming off his first season with extensive action, that’s a promising outlook even with his struggles. It also throws a wrench into the expectation true freshman Dylan Raiola is the foregone conclusion to be the starter this fall.

Speaking of Raiola, Rhule also talked about the young 5-star prospect and getting him ready for his first season. Ultimately, Rhule says there is a desire to go at each player’s pace, but true freshmen quarterbacks are a different case entirely.

“I think any time you play any young player, you want to go at their pace. Unfortunately, if you want to play QB as a freshman, the schedule is the schedule,” said Rhule. “The standard is the standard. (Aug. 31) comes around quickly and you better be ready.

“I think a lot of that is we’re going to have to see where he is… Our job is not to get anybody ready to play. Our job is to give them opportunities, they have to get themselves ready to play. If it means you stay up for 2 extra hours at night and study more film, if it means — it takes what it takes.”

RELATED: Can Nebraska buck recent trends and get back to a bowl game? Track all the B1G odds for the 2024 season with Tradition’s OH betting apps.

Dissecting Rhule’s analysis

How close are the two QBs in the eyes of Nebraska’s coaching staff? We’ll get a better idea throughout training camp, but Rhule’s comments inspire some level of hope.

If Haarberg does take a major step forward, even marginally improving his accuracy and taking care of the ball, the offense will be leaps and bounds above what it looked like a season ago. Haarberg did throw 7 interceptions, but the offense also dealt with 9 interceptions from Chubba Purdy and Jeff Sims, along with several costly fumbles.

Then again, even if Haarberg makes the expected growth this fall, it’s possible the highest ceiling for the offense rests with Raiola. That’s not hard to see with his arm talent and poise that was displayed during the spring game.

But as Rhule laid out, getting ready for the college game is ultimately up to Raiola. Talent is just a part of the equation, and Raiola alone holds the keys to finding the field as a true freshman.

If Raiola can show he’s ready in training camp, he will at least get a chance to translate his skills to the field when the regular season rolls around.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.