Thursday, July 26, 2001

Raiola hopes to grow
into a pass blocker

The St. Louis School and Nebraska
product begins to refine his footwork
as training camp gets under way

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Associated Press

SAGINAW, Mich. >> Dominic Raiola evolved from a 190-pound 15-year-old into one of the strongest and most punishing linemen at the University of Nebraska.

The Detroit Lions' second-round pick hopes the next phase in his evolution is a starting spot in the middle of the Lions offensive line.

Raiola has bulked up to a 6-foot-1, 303-pound frame since his days at St. Louis School in Honolulu. He developed into a powerful run blocker at Nebraska by his junior year, recording a career-high 145 knockdown blocks. He skipped his senior year to enter the NFL draft.

Now the 22-year-old must develop the footwork of pass blocking in the Lions' new West Coast offense. He must master that skill as he seeks the starting center position.

"There's definitely that stereotype that Nebraska linemen can't pass block," said Raiola, who is at the Lions practice session for rookies and selected veterans at Saginaw Valley State University.

The rest of the team reports today and takes the field for two practices tomorrow in an entire team workout.

"It's pretty tough for the first time to try these new techniques on pass blocking. I think with a little work, and some technique, I can develop into a good pass blocker," Raiola said.

Raiola will battle veteran Eric Beverly for the center spot. The rookie has drawn praise from coach Marty Mornhinweg.

"He's aggressive and quick and those are two valuable strengths," Mornhinweg said.

Raiola looks to a tradition for added inspiration in his quest for the starting position. His high school produced NFL talent such as Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala.

Nebraska has produced a long line of NFL linemen, but Raiola has studied one in particular -- fellow Lions guard and free agent signee Brenden Stai.

"I knew what he did at Nebraska and in the NFL. He was the start of the pipeline of lineman at Nebraska," Raiola said. "I can't say enough about watching film and learning from that guy. He helps a lot in the transition from college into the NFL."

Mornhinweg took the good with bad after yesterday's training camp session. The Lions defense intercepted two passes in seven-on-seven drills, taking both back for touchdowns. The bad news was Lions starting quarterback Charlie Batch and backup Jim Harbaugh each threw a pick.

"Defensively, this was a terrific practice because they made play after play," Mornhinweg said. "Offensively, we have a lot of work to do. There were a couple of times we didn't get the play off and two interceptions in a seven-on-seven period will not happen."

Rookie wide receiver Scotty Anderson, a fifth-round selection, continues to impress coaches, especially because he has bulked up with 10 pounds since being drafted.

"He's done a heck of a job in the off-season program and with conditioning," Mornhinweg said.