ESPN's Matt Barrie praises Kenny Dillingham for starting QB decision

ESPN’s Matt Barrie recently took to social media to praise ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham for his quarterback decision.

Dillingham announced that true freshman Jaden Rashada has won the starting QB job for the Sun Devils. Barrie called the move “foundation building,” and said it needs to be seen if Rashada is “ready for the lights.”

I love the move by @KennyDillingham to start Jaden Rashada. He’s foundation building. And you do that with young players to see if they’re ready for the lights. TB16 and Drew Pyne will be ready if Jaden isn’t.
🔱🏈👊🏼

— Matt Barrie (@MattBarrie) August 22, 2023

Rashada beat out incumbent starter Trenton Bourguet, Notre Dame transfer Drew Pyne, and BYU transfer Jacob Conover.

The freshman QB was rated as the No. 7 QB in the 2023 class per the 247 Sports Composite and flipped to ASU after originally signing with the Florida Gators. Rashada was a major heist for Dillingham in his first recruiting class in the desert. Clearly, Rashada has been as advertised this spring and summer.

Arizona State will kick off the 2023 season on Aug. 31 against Southern Utah.