Billy Napier shares how Florida recruited QB Jaden Rashada after Miami commitment
In Florida, National Signing Day is always a battle between the state’s top schools. One of the biggest wins came for the Florida Gators when Billy Napier and the Gators managed to get Jaden Rashada to sign after previously being committed to Miami.
Speaking about Florida’s Class of 2023 to this point, Billy Napier explained how the Gators continued to recruit Jaden Rashada after he committed.
“I think we felt like the connection is real, and we felt like there was something there. We felt we were really close,” Billy Napier said.
“Obviously, a lot goes into these decisions, but certainly as time went on, we were consistent there, and I think the things that — there was common ground, and I think the connection was real. Just think there’s a high level of trust on both ends there. I’m really excited about what he’s going to bring to our team.”
Jaden Rashada was an important signing for the Gators, who are light at the quarterback position following Anthony Richardson declaring for the NFL Draft and Jalen Kitna being dismissed from the team. For his part, Rashada is a four-star recruit and the number seven quarterback recruit according to the On3 Consensus.
The On3 Consensus is a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Jaden Rashada has a massive arm
According to On3’s Charles Power, Jaden Rashada has the strongest arm in the class.
“There’s no question Jaden Rashada has one of, if not the strongest arms in the deep 2023 quarterback cycle. The Florida commit can absolutely rip the football. Rashada has an unbothered natural throwing motion. The ball flies out of his big hands and cuts through the air with notable zip,” Power wrote.
“Just seeing Rashada warm up and throw on air at off-season events is enough to tell he has high-end arm talent. The RPM’s show up on Friday nights, as well, where Rashada has palpable velocity on throws, particularly in the intermediate area of the field. While he’ll need to continue refining his accuracy and overall consistency, there’s no question Rashada’s gifted arm talent stands out in the 2023 cycle.”