5:43 PM Update: In a letter to Swamp247’s Blake Alderman from Jaden Rashada’s father, Harlen Rashada, “Jaden has not filed for a Florida release,” refuting the initial report from On3’s Pete Nakos. The original story is given below:
Florida midfielder Jaden Rashad He hasn’t made it to Florida yet, although both parties – the Rashada and Gators football programs – have expressed interest in having the quarterback from Pittsburgh, Calif., join immediately after making the Under Armor All-American Game.
According to a report from On3.com’s Pete Nakos, Rashada’s career with the Gators may end before it officially begins as the signal caller has asked for the release of the letter of intent signed with Florida.
Rashad reportedly contacted Florida athletics director Scott Stricklin before requesting the release of the signed letter of intent, according to Nakos, and the next step would be whether the NCAA grants Rashad’s wish.
As Swamp247 reported on Tuesday, Rashada has yet to enroll in Gainesville, making him the only early enrollee who didn’t make it to Gainesville in time for the start of Florida’s spring semester.
While Rashada is listed in the Florida Student Directory, this does not mean that he is enrolled in the university but rather that he was accepted based on the merits of his high school academics.
A source familiar with the development initially told Swamp247 that Rashada was expected to sign up and hit campus “this week,” while others were unable to elaborate on the situation. Later Tuesday, sources told Swamp247 that there is growing optimism on the part of Florida regarding Rashada’s enrollment, though Nacus’ report contradicts that belief.
Rashad was initially expected to enroll and transfer to campus after appearing in the Under Armor All-American Game held in Orlando on January 3 per coach. Billy Napier.
“He’s coming up to play in the All-Star Game here soon in the state and he’s coming live,” Napier said on December 21. “So we look forward to working with him.”
Rashada, who was ranked the 29th overall prospect in the 2023 class by independent 247Sports, has been one of the hottest recruits in the country throughout the cycle, and his recruiting took many twists and turns before he was signed to the Gators.
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound caller committed to Miami in June, but eventually turned around his commitment to Florida in a late-night announcement in November.
“I think we felt the connection was real, we felt there was something going on,” Napier said of Florida’s continued pursuit of Rashad during his early signing day press conference. “We felt like we were really close. There’s obviously a lot that goes into those decisions, but certainly over time, we’ve been consistent there, and I think things — there was common ground, I think the connection was real. Just think there’s a level.” High in confidence on both ends there. I’m really excited about what he’s going to bring to our team.”
Rashada has reportedly received 35 scholarship offers from programs around the country and was considered for first-round potential by 247Sports.
“He’s addicted. He loves the game.” Napier said of rationality. It is all about action. I think it has a good sturdy frame that we can add weight to. I was just very impressed with his style.”
If Rashad attends college, he will join the former Wisconsin caller Graham Mertzsophomore Jack Miller and freshman Max Brown to give the team four scholarship quarterbacks, on the condition that he score.
Mertz posted a 19-13 record as a junior with the Badgers and finished the 2022 season with 2,136 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, which led to his highest individual rating as a starting signal caller.
Meretz, who has two years left to qualify, has been sacked 23 times in 2022 despite leading a violation that went about 58 percent of the time.