Donovan Raiola

C · Wisconsin
The younger brother of Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola, Donovan is a physical drive blocker with very good upper body strength. He was a mainstay on the offensive line for the Badgers, starting 39 games. Raiola earned Prep Star and Student Sports regional All-American honors as a senior at Kamehameha High School. He was a Regional All-Star choice by Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report and Rivals100.com, adding first-team All-State accolades from the Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin. The team captain graduated with a 3.3 grade point average. After redshirting in 2001 at Wisconsin, Raiola played in five games in 2002, starting vs. Iowa at right offensive guard. He shifted to center, starting every game in 2003, as he picked up All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention. He again earned honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2004 as part of an offensive line that allowed only 22 sacks. Raiola was on the lists for both the Rimington Trophy and Lombardi Award as a senior. He served as team captain, picking up All-Big Ten honorable mention for the third consecutive season. He finished his career with 39 starts in 43 contests.