Photo Credit: 247Sports
Quarterback Jaden Rashada, a 4-star prospect in the 2023 college football recruiting class, announced Friday he's flipped his commitment from Miami to Florida.
Rashada posted a statement on Twitter, saying he "dreamed of playing SEC football since I was a little kid:"
Jaden Rashada 5️⃣ @jadenrashadaGod is great, please respect my decision! IM HOME 🏡🐊. #GOGATORS🐊 #COMMITTED @coach_bnapier @CoachRyanO @kearycolbert pic.twitter.com/hZzav80fp5
The Pittsburg High School (Cal.) standout is rated as the No. 57 overall prospect and the seventh-best quarterback in next year's class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.
Rashada announced his commitment to the Hurricanes in June amid a flurry of rumors about the type of name, image and likeness (NIL) deal he'd received.
On3's Jeremy Crabtree reported the quarterback was offered $9.5 million by Canes booster John Ruiz, which would set the record for a single NIL agreement but also represented less than the $11 million offered by UF's Gator Collective.
"The report by On3.com is inaccurate as it relates to Jaden Rashad," Ruiz told Crabtree. "I have never spoken to [NIL lawyer Michael] Caspino about Jaden Rashada. Mr. Caspino and I spoke about an unrelated player months ago and had a very professional and pleasant conversation. I respect him."
Rashada also denied the speculation on social media:
Jaden Rashada 5️⃣ @jadenrashadaWant to Address this as rumors are flying around🚨: pic.twitter.com/1sLTfc1lw3
✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content Meanwhile, his switch to the Gators pushed the program inside the top 10 of the 2023 recruiting rankings to No. 8 overall, per 247Sports.
Florida doesn't have any 5-star members of next year's class at this stage, but its 19 4-star recruits are tied for the highest in the country.
Rashada has made impressive strides as a passer, using more touch to hit targets at every level of the field. A little further improvement with his footwork should help him become more consistent with his accuracy, which already made a year-over-year jump.
Here's a look at his high school numbers over the past two years, via MaxPreps:
He's mostly a pocket passer, attempting just 61 rushes in 20 games since the start of last season, but he's averaged a strong 7.2 yards per carry when he does uses his legs to make plays.
Rashada also possesses a college-ready 6'4'', 185-pound frame that still has room for more weight as his physical development continues at the next level.
All told, he's a terrific recruiting pickup for the Gators, especially since it comes at the expense of the in-state rival Hurricanes.
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