LOOK: 4-star QB Jaden Rashada posts photo with Lane Kiffin — and a puppy
One of the more traditional parts of a prospect’s visit to campus is a photo opportunity with them and the head coach of the program they’re visiting. In many ways, it has become a rite of passage. But much like he has with everything he touches in college football, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin finds a way to make his mark on even the most mundane things.
In December, Kiffin posed for photos on a visit with four-star safety Davison Igbinosun. Expect the two did so in a Porsche sports car and apparently switched clothes at some point. It apparently worked, as Igbinosun signed with the Rebels in February.
Kiffin is back at it again. This time, the Rebels are hosting four-star 2023 quarterback Jaden Rashada, the without-a-doubt top priority at the position for Kiffin and Co. Instead of a Porsche, the duo posed in front of a Rolls Royce Phantom. And instead of switching sweatshirts, Kiffin’s daughter’s puppy was included this time.
Much has been made — by Kiffin and other coaches — about the effect of name, image and likeness on recruiting battles. But involving a dog seems like a bridge too far when it comes to unfair advantages.
Rashada, meanwhile, is the No. 57 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 7 quarterback and No. 5 junior in the state of California.
His recruitment is largely shaping up to be a three-team battle between Oregon, Ole Miss and Miami. This trip to Oxford is the first official visit he has made and the third trip overall to Ole Miss. Miami and Oregon hosted him in January and are likely to get return visits this spring.
Jaden Rashada Scouting Summary
“Thinner-framed passer with impressive arm talent that keeps his cool when facing pressure. Has the arm strength to drive the ball downfield and into tight windows. Possesses the functional movement skills to escape the pass rush. Three-level passer who has the ability to layer the football. Productive player last season throwing for 2,220 yards and 27 touchdowns to 5 interceptions. Can be inconsistent with his ball placement, but showed flashes of improvement in camp and 7-on-7 settings this spring. Should develop quicker processing with more reps in the same offense after playing in three different systems. Played his freshman season at Liberty HS before transferring to IMG Academy for his sophomore season. Transferred back to California and played his junior season at Pittsburg HS. On the older end of the spectrum for quarterbacks in his class. Has the physical tools and arm talent to become the face of an elite-level power five program.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings