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JeremyO_Johnson

Buford (Ga.) five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola has quickly settled into the culture of his new high school. The five-star signal caller committed to Georgia back on May 15.

He made the move to the state of Georgia for his senior year of high school two months later. Raiola’s senior campaign begins with the Georgia powerhouse on Aug. 18 in a premier match-up with St. Francis.

The plays Raiola has made in practice have caught the attention of teammates and coaches alike. It has been Raiola’s ability to fit into Buford’s culture that has quickly stood out.

“When he first got here, I was a little scared for him because I didn’t know how his personality was going to fit with our team but as soon as he got there everybody started loving him,” five-star safety KJ Bolden said. “He just showed great leadership skills and showed our team that he’s willing to do anything to get us to the state championship game. He definitely fit in great.”

Raiola has felt the love from the Buford community as a whole.

“It’s special,” Raiola said. “To be a part of that special community that Buford is and being a part of what coach App (Bryant Appling) has built is a huge blessing,” Raiola said.

Raiola will play with a lot of players he could play against at some point at the college and potentially professional level.

Buford is home to nearly 20 major college prospects. Raiola feels there’s a benefit in that for what the team is trying to accomplish in 2023.

“It’s huge going against our defense every day,” Raiola said. “They’re probably one of the best in the country with the way that they play, the kind of guys that they have on the team. I think it’s about developing relationships with these guys. Not just recruiting, but around life outside of football. I think that’s what makes these relationships a little more special.”

Bolden will make his college decision on Saturday. Raiola has recruited a bit but since he’s been Bolden’s teammate, he’s leaned on getting to know his fellow five-star.

“He’s got to do what he feels, I try not to bug him about recruiting,” Raiola said with a smile. “KJ is a phenomenal athlete, a great person with a great family. He’s got to do what’s best for himself. I hope it’s Georgia. If it’s not, I’m going to support him in whatever he decides to do.”