The Arizona State Sun Devils have been dealt a blow ahead of their spring practice sessions, with quarterback Jaden Rashada unavailable due to injury.
Arizona State is due to begin spring practice sessions on March 26, but they will participate without last year’s named starter after Rashada underwent thumb surgery.
Why Won’t Jaden Rashada Be Competing in Spring Practice?
After suffering multiple injuries in 2023, the 2024 calendar year hasn’t started on a brighter note for Arizona State. This came as it was announced that Rashada would be out of spring practice after not recovering from an injury in time.
The Sun Devils have 15 practice sessions scheduled this spring, but Rashada will be unable to participate in any. 247Sports reports that the QB suffered a “thumb injury on his throwing hand,” which required surgery.
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Rashada underwent surgery to correct the injury earlier this year. However, he won’t be cleared to throw before the end of spring practice. It is anticipated that “He should resume throwing activity by the end of April and is expected to be fully cleared later this spring.”
It is a blow to head coach Kenny Dillingham’s season preparation as he looks to reinvent an offense that stumbled and had no momentum in 2023.
Rashada enrolled early at ASU in 2023 after he controversially flipped his commitment from Florida. He was named the starter ahead of the 2023 season but only played in three games after aggravating a knee meniscus injury he suffered as a senior in high school. The Sun Devils QB completed 44 of his 82 passes for 485 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Who Will We See at QB With Rashada Out?
The quarterback battle in Tempe was already heated after Trenton Bourguet finished the season, playing in eight games in 2023 and heading into his senior year. Four-star recruit from West Linn High School – Sam Leavitt – has also been added to the room and is expected to challenge for the starting role in his freshman season.
Arizona State’s offense was stagnant in 2023, and Dillingham is likely hoping an open competition in spring practice could energize the Sun Devils’ passing attack.
Rashada was the presumed season starter, so his exclusion from spring ball gives a massive opportunity for Bourguet and Leavitt to impress. The Sun Devils kick off their inaugural season in the Big 12 against Wyoming at Mountain America Stadium.
The question is, will Rashada be the starter when we get to August 31?
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