Three quick takes on Jaden Rashada as a starter

TEMPE, Ariz. — The highly competitive quarterback competition came to an end yesterday as Jaden Rashada was announced to be the starter. The true freshman quarterback beat out Trenton Bourguet and Drew Pyne, at least for week one against Southern Utah. Rashada was a highly touted four-star recruit and shows legitimate signs of NFL potential. Here are three quick takes on Jaden Rashada’s impact on the Arizona State offense.

Rashada adds big play ability

One of the biggest reasons Rashada was able to earn the starting spot, was his big play ability. Several times during the course of fall camp, the freshman has effortlessly made 40+ yard throws. His ability to do that opens up the playbook for offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin and the Sun Devils.

“He can really utilize the whole field, both width and length,” Baldwin said after Wednesday’s practice. This will keep Arizona State’s offense unpredictable and explosive. The defense will have to be prepared for anything.

Rashada has the capability to run

Jaden Rashada is mobile. He hasn’t displayed that ability a ton in fall camp, and the defense isn’t going to hit their own quarterback. However, he has shown pocket awareness and skill in maneuvering in the pocket. He knows when it’s time to tuck it and run, and he isn’t exceptionally fast, but he uses his long stride to cover ground fast.

Rashada sure isn’t a run-first guy, but he won’t be a sitting duck when pressure comes. A quarterback with that versatility can be annoying and difficult for defenses to handle. Even if he only has a few scrambles a game, the defense will have to respect Rashada’s ability to run.

The freshman will make mistakes

One thing that head coach Kenny Dillingham, Jaden Rashada, and Beau Baldwin all have in common is that they expect mistakes from the youngster. While addressing the media this morning after practice, all three stated that Rashada isn’t perfect and he WILL make mistakes. There will be turnovers, sacks, overthrown balls, miscommunications, etc.

If any Arizona State fans think otherwise, they need to come back to reality.

Rashada is still just a true freshman. He’s still learning a playbook and system, and adjusting to the speed of college football. He’s still developing. ASU fans need to accept that and understand that’s okay.

Overall there’s a lot to be excited about with Jaden Rashada manning the helm for the Sun Devils.

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