Spencer Rattler’s fall from grace has been a bit unfair. The former five-star recruit burst onto the scene with the Oklahoma Sooners as a redshirt freshman and displayed every bit of the talent he was promised to have.
However, after an early sophomore slump, Rattler lost his starting job to projected No. 1 pick Caleb Williams before finding his way to Columbia, South Carolina.
A look at Spencer Rattler’s college stats in Norman and Columbia shows that the former blue-chipper still has plenty of juice and could have a huge NFL career.
Rattler Puts Together Elite Redshirt Freshman Season.
After playing sparingly behind Jalen Hurts in 2019, Rattler assumed the role of Oklahoma’s starting quarterback in 2020 and proved why he was the first non-transfer to start for the Sooners in four years.
Despite starting 1-2, Rattler threw for nearly 1,000 yards in his first three games of the season, though his four interceptions in two Big 12 games weren’t ideal.
However, Rattler was magnificent against the rival Texas Longhorns, leading the Sooners to a wild 53-45 win in four overtimes. He threw for just 201 yards and three touchdowns but added 51 yards on the ground (still a career-high) and another touchdown rushing.
That kick-started his elite freshman campaign. Over the next six games, Rattler threw for 1,598 yards and 12 touchdowns with just two interceptions, leading the Sooners to a Big 12 Championship.
Completions: 214
Attempts: 317
Yards: 3,031
Comp. %: 67.5%
TDs: 28
INTs: 7
Rush Attempts: 81
Rush Yards: 160
Rush TDs: 6
A Sophomore Year Full of Adversity
In hindsight, Rattler’s sophomore-year setback may have been a bit overblown. Knowing what we now know, his benching probably had more to do with Williams’ talent than Rattler’s struggles.
Rattler began the season as the starter, throwing for 1,260 yards, 10 touchdowns, and four interceptions in the first five games.
Against Texas, things changed. The Sooners fell behind early, and Rattler struggled under pressure, taking three sacks and completing just eight passes on his first 18 dropbacks.
After Rattler fumbled and Texas scored to move the score to 35-17 in favor of the Longhorns, Williams took over, using his legs to lead the Sooners to a massive comeback victory. The deposed Oklahoma QB1 only attempted 12 passes the rest of the season as Williams took over as the starter.
Completions: 140
Attempts: 187
Yards: 1,483
Comp. %: 74.9%
TDs: 11
INTs: 5
Rush Attempts: 43
Rush Yards: 77
Rush TDs: 3
Rattler’s Transition to South Carolina and A Pro-Style Offense
Seeking a fresh start, Rattler transferred to South Carolina under former Oklahoma assistant Shane Beamer.
The first year was rough. Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield’s complex pro-style offense challenged Rattler and the rest of the players.
Rattler had an up-and-down first 10 games, lighting up poor defenses and struggling against stronger units, throwing for 1,982 yards and throwing for just eight touchdowns to nine interceptions.
According to lockerroom legend, things changed after Rattler and a few veteran offensive players approached Satterfield after a blowout loss to Florida. The offense was simplified, the pace was quickened, and the results were nothing short of stunning.
The next week, South Carolina boat-raced fifth-ranked Tennessee, 63-38, as Rattler and the offense scored on every possession outside of a final kneeldown. Rattler threw for a career-high 438 yards and six touchdowns.
The following week, Rattler and the offense overcame two brutal early interceptions to come back and beat rival Clemson on the road, 31-30. Rattler threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns, adding a score on the ground.
Rattler turned in another strong game in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl to finish with 1,044 yards and 11 touchdowns in the final three games of the year.
Completions: 264
Attempts: 399
Yards: 3,026
Comp. %: 66.2%
TDs: 18
INTs: 12
Rush Attempts: 73
Rush Yards: 46
Rush TDs: 3
Senior Year: Run For Your Life!
Rattler carried his end-of-season momentum into the offseason. Unfortunately, his senior would be marred by his teammates’ injuries, though the Gamecocks QB still put up decent numbers.
South Carolina lost four offensive linemen on the two-deep in the pre-season, then lost two more in the first game against North Carolina, a game in which Rattler was sacked a career-high nine times. All told, 11 South Carolina offensive linemen missed at least one game due to injury in 2022, and Rattler was sacked 40 times in 12 games.
KEEP READING: South Carolina Gamecocks’ Top 10 Returning Players
To compound the issue, wide receiver Antwane “Juice’ Wells — Rattler’s top target in 2022– got hurt early and failed to make a significant comeback. Xavier Legette emerged as Rattler’s top target, and Rattler still put up solid numbers.
Overall, shaky defense, a beat-up offensive line, and the lack of a consistent running game doomed the Gamecocks, but Rattler’s leadership, arm talent, and (for the first time) mobility were on full display.
Completions: 275
Attempts: 399
Yards: 3,026
Comp. %: 68.9%
TDs: 19
INTs: 8
Rush Attempts: 97
Rush Yards: 104
Rush TDs: 4
Spencer Rattler’s Final College Stats
Completions: 900
Attempts: 1,313
Yards: 10,807
Comp. %: 68.9%
TDs: 77
INTs: 32
Rush Attempts: 297
Rush Yards: 410
Rush TDs: 16
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