A look at Jaden Rashada and his first drive as a Sun Devil

TEMPE, Ariz. — Only two true freshmen have ever started opening night under center for Arizona State, Jayden Daniels and Jaden Rashada. Daniels is now at LSU and has the second-highest odds of winning the Heisman Trophy (Draft Kings). Rashada still has a long way to go before entering any conversation about prestigious trophies, but his first drive as a Sun Devil was one to be excited about.

Jaden Rashada’s first drive as a Sun Devil

Jaden Rashada calmly took the field. His defense had just gotten a big stop and now it was his turn. It was his birthday, and the 20-year-old had the weight of a program on his shoulders. All eyes in Mountain America Stadium were on him.

Head coach Kenny Dillingham and offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin made things easy for the freshman’s first throw. Rashada calmly hits running back Cam Skattebo for a three-yard gain. One for one. Quickly without a huddle (a Dillingham staple), Rashada approaches under center. This time it’s a hand-off to Skattebo.

The Sacramento State transfer scampers for a 12-yard gain and a first down.

The no-huddle offense continues. Rashada takes the snap and quickly Jalin Conyers for an eight-yard gain. I feel confident saying we’ll see that connection a few more times this season. The Sun Devils approach the line again without a huddle.

Jaden Rashada shows off his arm

After two short passes and a run, Dillingham decides to open up the playbook. Rashada takes the snap and rolls out to his right. The freshman with a cannon for an arm surveys the field. Southern Utah linebacker Kohner Cullimore pursues his prey like a shark smelling blood.

Rashada doesn’t care. The 6’4 quarterback calmly lets it fly. The sharp spiral cuts through the dry Tempe air and finds Melquan Stovall on a post route going across the field. Stovall brings it in for a 33-yard gain and Rashada takes a hit. Late.

Bright yellow laundry floats onto the field. Personal foul, a late hit on Cullimore.

Having his quarterback roll out to the right and have a WR running a deep post is a play Dillingham has run in the past. He did it several times last season at Oregon with Bo Nix. It didn’t take him long to trust Rashada’s arm.

Rashada’s big play sets up an easy six-yard touchdown run for Cameron Skattebo.

The true freshman from California finishes his first collegiate drive 3/3 for 44 yards. All while wearing the same jersey his Dad did 30 years ago. A good sign of things to come for Arizona State football.

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