For starters he’s a legacy, a direct descendant of the Nebraska locker room. His father, Dominic, was a leader, competitor and absolute mauler at center. Dylan has his dad’s passion for winning and Nebraska in his blood.

Not many Nebraska quarterbacks can say they started their very first game. Raiola can. Tommie Frazier didn’t start a legendary career until his sixth game.

The Husker quarterback is the biggest fish in the tank. Most Nebraska quarterbacks had to grow into the role. You get the feeling Raiola was born there. There’s an unspoken maturity. Raiola speaks to the media twice a week — after a game and on Tuesday — and to hear him you wouldn’t know if he was a freshman or a senior.

He’s that way on the field, too. Inside his wheels may be churning but there’s no panic. He’s been calm and collected. The moments — so far — haven’t been too big. He’s a smooth operator.

And this: It’s only been three games, but Raiola is the best passer I’ve seen at Nebraska. Yes, most of the top quarterbacks at NU carved their legend as runners.

That only underscores the unique place for Raiola — who will undoubtedly make his way through the air.

Together, his unflappable demeanor on the field and impressive passing touch make for an immediate impact on his team that we’ve already witnessed.

Raiola emits an unmistakable vibe of confidence when he’s on the field. Two minutes left? He’ll find a way to score. Third and long? He’ll make a play to move the chains.

It’s not been 100 percent. But his success rate has been such that you expect him to get the job done.

On Friday night, the next level of Raiola’s development — his Big Ten education — arrives.

UTEP, Colorado and UNI were a perfect intro to college football for Raiola. Three stair steps with minimal pressure, blitzing and coverage disguises.

In the Big Ten, we’ll find out if the kid can play chess.

Right out of the gate, Raiola faces veteran defensive minds in Bret Bielema, Ryan Walters and Greg Schiano. Each will do what he can to harass and confuse Raiola and not allow him to get in a comfort zone.

The young quarterback may have to work overtime in film study and preparation for what he’ll face. Later comes Ohio State and USC. The level of athleticism Raiola will see across the line will move up, too.

There will be mistakes. But I don’t expect Raiola to blink much.

When there’s heavy pressure or blitzing, offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield will have to come up with extra protection or move Raiola out of the pocket. He flashed an ability to scramble and run for big yards last week.

He didn’t slide. Then again, this is the son of a fearless offensive lineman.

A screen pass is a handy weapon for any young quarterback. Raiola showed last Saturday he can make the timing play and pass that other Husker quarterbacks struggled with over the years.

Satterfield says that Illinois is so good at disguising coverages that a lot of reads take place after the snap. Raiola’s eyes and ability to process what he sees will be everything.

He’s got advanced ability and talents and those will be put to the test against Illinois.

Raiola will have help. Big Ten defenses will see an NU team with an improved offensive line, physical backs capable of breaking tackles and big receivers who make plays.

This is their fourth game together. It won’t be perfect. But the potential of this offense feels bigger this season and much of that is because of the young man running the show.

He’s humble. He’s a grinder, a gym rat, addicted to film study. He knows he’s had to earn his teammates’ respect. That’s true for all quarterbacks. For a freshman, the bar is higher.

It’s a process. Raiola appears to be checking that box every week. He’s become more of the leader each game.

Meanwhile, the fans, the historians, the media get to watch this story develop. It’s important to note we’re seeing it at the very beginning. We’ve been lucky enough to see great ones before. Their stories rarely disappoint.

In another sense, this story is different. It’s unique, in terms of its time in Nebraska history, where it might be going — and where it all began.

On Tuesday, Raiola was asked if he remembered his first Nebraska football game.

“I was a little baby,” Raiola said. “I just remember rolling around in the end zone.”