Kenny Dillingham named Jaden Rashada the starting quarterback for the first game of the season against Southern Utah. An interview with the ASU HC on Monday revealed what may have distanced Rashada.

At one point this offseason, the job was between Notre Dame transfer Drew Pyne and Rashada. Pyne suffered an injury, making the position a battle between Trenton Bourguet and Rashada.

One thing Dillingham liked about Rashada were the constant improvements.

“He’s just gotten better every single day. He comes out there better, more comfortable, and he cares. I just think he has a freakish skillset and anytime you have that skillset it allows for you to be a little more open schematically, when you have a guy that’s in the .0001% in arm talent. He definitely opens that ability up for us offensively.”

Rashada was a former 4-star QB from the 2023 class. The 247Sports Composite ranked him as the No. 7 QB and No. 6 California prospect. He hails from Pittsburg, California.

The next era of Arizona State football will start with Dillingham and his young QB on Aug. 31.

The Sun Devils kick off against Southern Utah at 7 p.m. PT. Does Rashada give Arizona State the best chance to win in 2023?