Highly regarded QB Jaden Rashada has a change of heart, flips to Florida
This is why you continue to recruit a committed prospect until their recruitment is finalized. Nothing is official until a senior signs their letter of intent.
Moments ago, Billy Napier and the Gators just hit the jackpot by flipping Jaden Rashada from Miami. The Pittsburg (Cali.) standout is a long-time target at quarterback who nearly teamed up with Florida in late June before saying yes to Mario Cristobal and UM.
However, despite holding a commitment from Marcus Stokes, the SEC program never backed off and continued to push for the Under Armour All-American. Also, word recently got out that Rashada’s commitment had been shaky at best. This has been in the works for a number of weeks, and now the senior has gone public with his commitment to the orange and blue.
Rashada, an Under Armour All-American, is UF’s highest-rated Florida quaterback commit since Feleipe Franks in 2016; however, only one recruiting service had Franks higher than Rashada’s current On3 Consensus ranking of 61.
There is a good chance Anthony Richardson departs for the NFL shortly after the season. That would allow Rashada to make a run at the starting position as a true freshman. Jack Miller, however, would likely have the edge heading into training camp though. Jalen Kitna has impressed the staff as well.
There is also a strong level of comfort among the coaching staff.
Remember, Rashada’s father played for Arizona State and returned to campus quite a bit in recent years. Napier was previously the Sun Devils’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, so that relationship started several years ago. The family trusts Napier and is extremely high on his vision for the program. They expect great things from him.
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Rashada is expected in Gainesville this weekend
Earlier this year, Rashada took multiple trips the Gainesville. He made his first appearance on campus in late May and then returned on June 7 for his official visit. Now, GO is hearing the West Coast native will likely be in attendance for Saturday’s game against South Carolina.
All in all, this is a massive pickup for Billy Napier and Ryan O’Hara.
UF’s quarterback room is fairly thin beyond this season, especially if Richardson turns pro. Now, the Gators are adding one of the premier pass-first signal callers from the 2023 class.
From a favorable depth chart to reaching new heights from a developmental standpoint, the Gators certainly fit the criteria from an on-field perspective.
According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, the 6-foot-3.5, 185-pound Rashada ranks as the No. 7 quarterback and No. 61 player regardless of position.
Stay tuned to Gators Online for more on Rashada’s pledge to UF.
