All-American games are the chance for prospects to show off their ability against the best of the best and so far this week, eight Florida Gators signees have done just that in the Under Armour All-America game.
Quarterback signee Jaden Rashada has shown off his ability all week as he continues to show why he’s one of the top-ranked guys in the 2023 class at his position.
After three practices, Rashada says he has learned a lot from the coaches around him as well several of his teammates.
“It’s been good, just adjusting to new guys around you and things like that,” Rashada said. “I learned a lot; you know just being around great coaching, just being around good dudes who like to compete, you kind of learn new things every rep,”
Rashada has not only impressed his teammates but also his coaches including quarterbacks coach Brian St. Pierre who believes that the quarterback has all the tools to be a good quarterback in the SEC.
“I think he has a live arm, a lot of upside and he’s long,” Team speed quarterbacks coach Brian St. Pierre said. “When we ran the ball with him some drives, he ran the ball really well. He has run the ball well on some zone reads that he has pulled. He’s a kid that has a very high ceiling and I think he’s with a great coach over at Florida that’s going to develop him. He knows this but he needs to get into the weight room and add some armor to his body and gain some weight. His arm talent is elite and the best part about him is he wants to learn; he has thirst for knowledge and he’s trying to pick my brain all week long on offense and coverage. He’s one of these kids that has a huge upside to him.”
As good as Rashada has looked, the quarterback admits he still has work to do to accomplish his goals in his career.
“Everything,” Rashada said on what he wants to improve on. “I want to come into Gainesville and just get better at everything, every category in my game, just be a better person and a better player”
St. Pierre agrees that Rashada has some things to work on but admits that the quarterback doesn’t have to undo a lot of bad habits and that will help Billy Napier and the staff in Gainesville.
“I think he will be the first one to tell you that there are things he needs to get better at and things he needs to learn but at the same time he’s a kid that has a blank slate and he knows he has a lot to learn,” St. Pierre said on things Rashada needs to improve on. “You don’t have to unfix things with him, with Jaden he’s a blank slate and whatever he becomes you will have molded that. Florida is going to be able to mold him into whatever they want.”
Rashada was a guy that helped recruit several players to Gainesville and has been vocal and St. Pierre believes that his personality and character will help him become a good leader once he gets settled in with the Gators.
“He’s a quiet guy but to me to be a great leader you have to show your work ethic. Your team isn’t going to follow you if you aren’t the first one in and the last one out. Jaden has that, he has the work ethic and the want to be good,” St. Pierre said on Rashada being a leader. “Whenever he feels comfortable with the offense then he will be a good leader. The leadership qualities are there because he’s a hard worker, and kids love him. He has an infectious personality so leadership won’t be a problem for him.”
Thanks Andrew , all refreshing to hear!!
Always Great to be a Gator!