Spencer Rattler’s football career has been filled with incredible highs and a couple of harsh lessons. From Arizona high school phenom to college football superstar (and a few bumps in between), Rattler’s road to the NFL demonstrates how fulfilling pursuing your dreams can be.
Now a New Orleans Saint, Spencer Rattler’s journey is far from over, but his collegiate beginnings influenced the quarterback and competitor he is now. So, let’s roll back the tape and look at the twists and turns that led him to the Big Easy.
Spencer Rattler’s College Football Career
Rattler was not only good in high school — he was pretty much considered legendary. Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, he played at Pinnacle High School and shattered the state career passing marks.
He passed for more than 11,000 yards and 116 touchdowns. The athlete could throw on the move, easily throw the deep ball, and take over games. This made him a five-star prospect and the No. 1 quarterback in the 2019 class, ranked by 247Sports.
Of course, blue-chip programs waited in line to sign him, but Oklahoma won him out. Rattler was headed for greatness under head coach Lincoln Riley, a self-proclaimed quarterback whisperer. As a freshman in 2019, he served as a backup to Jalen Hurts and was allowed to start for the Sooners in 2020.
Rattler’s initial year as a starter featured its fair share of fireworks. He passed for 3,031 yards, 28 touchdowns, and seven picks to guide Oklahoma to a Big 12 Championship. His down-the-stretch clutch play, including a comeback victory over Texas, had Sooners fans envisioning Heismans and national championships.
But 2021 had other plans. Rattler struggled at first, and during the Red River Showdown vs. Texas, he was sat in favor of freshman Caleb Williams. Williams ended up taking the starting job for himself, and Rattler, under extreme scrutiny from fans and media alike, made the adult decision: he entered the transfer portal to find a new opportunity.
South Carolina provided that new beginning. Reuniting with Shane Beamer, a one-time Oklahoma assistant turned Gamecocks head coach, Rattler had a spot where he could reboot and rekindle his passion for the game.
His 2022 campaign was a rollercoaster ride, but when it counted most, he came through. Rattler guided South Carolina to huge upset victories over No. 5 Tennessee and No. 8 Clemson, passing for 798 yards and eight touchdowns in those two games. Those efforts erased the bust label from his reputation. It also reminded everyone why he had been so highly touted initially.
Rattler’s 2023 senior season was also superior. He had a 68.9% completion average in a Gamecocks single-season record, ended with 3,186 passing yards, and threw 19 touchdowns. He topped it all off with a good performance at the Senior Bowl, where he was also named MVP after scouting officials were impressed with his calm demeanor and long-ball accuracy.
Spencer Rattler Went From the Gamecocks to the Saints
Even with his solid finish to college, the 2024 NFL Draft didn’t exactly open the red carpet for Rattler. He waited until the fifth round when the New Orleans Saints finally said his name with the No. 150 overall pick. Some guys might have been bitter. Not Rattler.
“I’m just thankful for the chance,” Rattler said in his post-draft interview. “The ride wasn’t smooth, but I think I’m prepared for this moment.”
New Orleans noticed something worthwhile: a player who had experienced adversity, grown out of it, and still possessed a great deal of ability remaining to tap. Saints head coach Dennis Allen commented, “He’s gone through hard times, and he’s come out better. That’s the type of player we want in our building.”
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Now, Rattler enters a quarterback room headed by veteran Derek Carr, but there’s an opportunity for him to become something more in the future. With Carr as a mentor and Rattler’s natural talent, New Orleans is the ideal location for him to establish himself as a long-term NFL player.
Rattler felt the angst of a five-star recruit, the disappointment of losing a starter’s role, the thrill of piloting big upsets, and the pride of restoring his reputation at South Carolina. Through it all, Rattler stayed resilient and focused, serving him well as he embarks on his NFL journey with the New Orleans Saints.
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