Florida quarterback Jaden Rashada was released from his national letter of intent after signing with the Gators on Dec. 21, according to 247Sports. Rashada, a five-star member of the Class of 2023, is ranked the No. 6 quarterback and considered the No. 29 player overall by 247Sports.
His departure from the Gators class leaves the program with no sign of a freshman quarterback, although former Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz has signed on through the transfer portal.
Rashada’s release is just the latest development in his meandering recruitment. California native first engaged in miami in June over Florida, LSU, Ole Miss and Texas A&M, but flipped his pick to the Gators — where he was originally slated to sign — in November and eventually signed early in the signing period.
After Rashada signed with Florida, coach Billy Napier said “there’s a high level of trust on both sides,” describing the caller as a “junkie” in terms of work ethic.
However, that relationship broke down in recent weeks amid an issue with a name, image and likeness agreement Rashada signed with a Gators-affiliated collective, according to 247Sports.
How it affects the Gators
With Rashada likely heading elsewhere to start his college career, that should allow Mertz to start for the Gators in 2023. Mertz should have two seasons of eligibility remaining after throwing for 5,405 yards, 38 touchdowns and 26 interceptions in a career climb with the Badgers.
He was Wisconsin’s leading starter the past three years on a 19-13 streak for the program. Former four-star prospect Jack Miller III, a transfer from Ohio State, is also on the Gators’ roster. He made his first college start and saw his first action for Florida in the Las Vegas Bowl where UF failed for a touchdown. Former three-star prospect Max Brown is another QB option for Florida after not appearing in the game as a true freshman last season.
What the future holds for Rashada
Many top programs have already signed quarterbacks from the Class of 2023, but Rashada shouldn’t be short of options. Ole Miss is yet to sign a quarterback this cycle after being an early runner-up to Rashada. LSU QB Walker Howard also entered the transfer portal after appearing in just two games as a true freshman last season, and the Tigers were among Rashada’s early finalists. According to 247SportsRashada also has a planned visit to Arizona State now that he is free to research his options.
Here’s a scouting report on Rashada from 247Sports National Recruitment Expert Chris Singletary:
Has a frame and construction that can add a lot of weight and strength. Has the mold to easily add at least 20 pounds of muscle. As it matures and becomes stronger, this will benefit its durability, long-term capacity, and development. Stands upright in the pocket with mobility to avoid rushing and saving time for making plays under pressure. Ready and doing a good job doing off-platform games. Mechanically displays a smooth and effortless throwing motion. Gets the ball out quickly, generating energy from his lower body to knock the ball out of his hand. Does a good job changing gears and adding touch to throws when needed, either to fit the pass into tight windows or throw in throws at defenders.
Another option could be Miami given Rashada was previously contracted to the Hurricanes. But the Canes signed three-star signalman Emory Williams last month.
