Bourguet, Rashada focusing on their own game rather than QB battle

The quarterback competition has been a hot commodity in camp for the Sun Devils as redshirt-junior Trenton Bourguet, transfer Drew Pyne, and true freshman Jaden Rashada are all battling for the starting position. Although with Pyne injured, a window has opened for Rashada and Bourguet. However, neither is too worried about the head-to-head. Instead, they’re focusing on improving their own game and being good teammates.

Bourguet and Rashada focused on a bigger goal

“I’m not really looking at it as a competition you know, whatever happens happens,” Rashada said. “I’m just trying to grow every day, be the best version of myself and be the best teammate I can be.”

This offseason there have been some major adjustments for both quarterbacks. For Rashada, he’s transitioned from high school into college. For Bourguet, he’s gotten to know many new coaches and teammates via the transfer portal.

“In the springtime having a bunch of new players and coaches, it took a little bit of time to get used to the changes,” Bourguet said. “But I think we’re moving in the right direction; the energy and passion is great.”

Amidst the adjustments, head coach Kenny Dillingham has a way with quarterbacks, simplifying the game, and making the transition much easier.

“In practice, we challenge them to memorize the book, in a game we challenge them to memorize a chapter,” Dillingham said. “The menu gets smaller, there may be some variations, but what they have to learn is actually less.”

Bourguet and Rashada have commented on the simplicity of Dillingham’s scheme.

“Coverages can change, but numbers in the secondary can’t”, Rashada said. While both quarterbacks compete for the starting job each day at practice, they’re not afraid to learn from each other along the way and Bourguet’s veteran presence has been important in Rashada’s learning process.

“I think the game is starting to slow down for him,” Bourguet said. “It’s awesome to see he’s finally getting comfortable and at the end of the day we’re just pushing each other and he’s asking me questions and vice versa.”

Both quarterbacks performed at a high level in Saturday’s practice

Early this Saturday morning, both Rashada and Bourguet took the field for the first regular practice of the season. Last Wednesday’s scrimmage marked the end of fall camp.

Both quarterbacks had strong performances in 11 on 11 and seven-on-seven situations at practice Saturday. Bourguet completed nearly 85 percent of his passes. Many of them being short passes. One went for a short touchdown to transfer running back Cam Skattebo.

Rashada completed about 60 percent of his passes. He was able to thread the needle into some tight windows and some impressive deep throws. One of which was a “would-be” 40+ yard touchdown to freshman wide receiver Korbin Hendrix. Rashada did have one pass picked off by redshirt-junior defensive back Damon Williamson.

“I’m still growing every day,” Rashada said. “I feel like I’ve progressed, not where I want to be yet, I just want to keep growing every day.”

With the season opener now 12 days away, the quarterback battle will continue to heat up as the days count down. Regardless of who gets the starting nod, both guys are excited for the season to get underway.

“We’re all locked in and excited for the season to start,” Bourguet said.

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