Rashada opened by saying: “I just want to thank God for putting me in the position I’m in. Big thanks to coach Kenny for always believing in me, ever since the recruiting process, and really him just teaching me something new every day. Along with the older guys, they’ve done a great job of just helping me out every day. I think that’s really one of the things that helped me out the most. Honestly, this is big, something I always dreamed of as a kid, but there’s a lot of work to do and there’s a lot to accomplish. And I believe we’re taking the right steps.”
It’s important to note that Rashada was named the starter for Week One only.
As for what he needs to do to continue to be the starter, Rashada said: “Just need to go week by week and prepare as well as I can, so I can go out there and perform. Winning is what’s most important, so doing whatever I can for my teammates.”
Dillingham explained before Rashada’s availability that he originally told Rashada he would not be the starter when he came to ASU. However, Rashada impressed enough, especially as of late, to be named the starter.
WATCH/READ: Kenny Dillingham Explains Decision to Name Jaden Rashada Starting QB
Rashada detailed what he thought he did well to become the starter.
“Just being a good teammate just growing every day,” he said. “I think that’s a question more so for the coaches, not for me. I really don’t know. (I) just came in every day just to grow and be a better version of myself and be a good person. I’m surrounded by great teammates, and they’ve done a great job of you know bringing me in and making me feel part of the team and I’m super comfortable, just playing out here (and) playing with my guys.”
How did he view the competition?
“I just always looked at it like we’re teammates,” he said. “So I don’t really look at things as a competition. I just look at (as) if what I bring is what helps win games for the team at the moment then that’s what it is. But, really, I just came here every day just trying to be the best version of myself and (I) got great coaches that helped me along the way with great teammates.”
“I just think everything happens for a reason. I’m a firm believer in that. I mean the journey to get here was crazy. But it makes sense every day why I am here. I’m beyond grateful.”
Rashada continuing to build on the accuracy he showed this weekend. Completing throws at a high clip on every level
— Brendan Mau (@brendan_mau) August 23, 2023
After having an infamous NIL deal go wrong with Florida, Rashada could have gone anywhere, but he flipped his commitment from the Gators to Arizona State, following in the footsteps of his father, Harlen Rashada. Harlen played defensive back for the Sun Devils from 1992-94.
So how did his dad take the news?
“It was pretty emotional for him because he played here,” Rashada said, “and he’s seen everything that I went through, and just how happy I was here. And I think that as a parent, that’s all you can ask for. So my dad loved it. I’m sure that made his year.”
Dillingham has mentioned that he likes to throw adversity at his quarterbacks and see how they respond.
“I embrace it,” Rashada said. “I’m not perfect. I tell you, I got a lot of passion. So, just dealing with it every day and knowing that things won’t be perfect, but just knowing how to deal with losses and wins during plays, and just keeping your head on straight and staying level-headed.”
BREAKING: Jaden Rashada named starting QB for ASU’s season opener
Today, Rashada faced some of that adversity, throwing a near interception on his first throw of the day and a pick-6 on the next.
“I was a little frustrated, but things happen,” Rashada said. “Just having the ability to move on, just learning from it, and making sure it doesn’t happen again.”
“Nothing fazes me,” he proclaimed.
How did the QBs fare in the first tempo drill since Rashada was named QB1?
Rashada’s first pass was dropped by CB Dee Ford, who would’ve returned it for a pick-6. His second pass was picked off by Ro Torrence for a pick-6.
Meanwhile, Bourguet completed all four of his throws.
— Brendan Mau (@brendan_mau) August 23, 2023
Rashada will be quarterbacking an offense that features dynamic playmakers, such as Elijhah Badger, Jalin Conyers and Xavier Guillory.
“I believe in them 100%,” Rashada said. “And I can’t wait to play with them.”
Rashada went from QB3 on the depth chart to proving enough these past 10 days to now being tasked with leading the team out on the field in the season opener against Southern Utah.
Where does his competitive edge come from?
“I just always been a natural competitor,” Rashada said. “I think just getting to the college level and just wanting better for yourself every day. I think is what drove me the best. Also not wanting to let teammates and coaches down. You become part of a brotherhood and that’s why you play.”
After the news broke yesterday of him being named the starter, Rashada did not feel any different in practice today.
“I believe I had more confidence from it, but it didn’t feel different,” he said, “because my teammates and coaches they’ve always done a great job of treating everybody the same and just having a great atmosphere so everything felt the same.”
There wasn’t just one person that helped Rashada get to this point.
“I can’t even point out a couple people alone,” Rashada said. “But just all around we got a great group of guys and great teammates and that’s how you win football games.”
Breakdown and analysis of Jaden Rashada being named ASU’s Week 1 starter
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Brendan Mau is a college sports insider and general assignment reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
