Shane Beamer explains why it was important for Spencer Rattler to get a headstart

The South Carolina Gamecocks and head football coach Shane Beamer have made a splash in transfer portal signees for the second season in the row. Arguably the biggest name the Gamecocks were able to flip is former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Spencer Rattler.

The former Heisman hopeful had a rough go for Oklahoma last season and was replaced midway through the year. Rattler hopes to prove that he was worthy of all the Heisman praise prior to the 2021 season at South Carolina. And he is getting an early start on his preparation as he is already enrolled at the school and taking part in team activities. On Wednesday, Beamer explained the importance of his newly transferred quarterback already on campus.

“Yeah, Huge. Because of that, the quarterback position. Just because it’s such a leadership position and developing that chemistry with the receivers and tight ends and running backs and the offensive line and the entire team. And then just for any position, Mike, just to be able to you know get guys here and you know the one of the reasons we had a lot of had the success that we had last year was because so many of these transfers came in and we were able to develop a really tight team by the time we got to the season. They got tighter as the year went on and the more time that you have together the better chances you have of doing that. “

Beamer on transfers getting in early

The Gamecocks and Beamer were pretty active last year in the transfer portal, bringing in 10 players from all over the country. And South Carolina has followed in their own footsteps from last season this season, raking in another high-quality class of transfer students. What gave the Gamecocks an advantage in preparation last season was their ability to get their players in sooner rather than later, as Beamer explains.

“You know I think Tyrese Ross came in the summertime but other than that I think all the transfers that we played with last year we’re here for spring practice. And we are essentially in the same boat this year with other than Austin. But like I told David, Austin is going to be here quite a bit during spring practice just on his own as well to be around the guys. So the earlier you can get them in the better. It’s awesome having Spencer and all these guys here right now as well where you have what eight months and seven months until you start practice.”

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Rattler will go through spring practice at South Carolina where he joins a quarterback room that also features Luke Doty, Colten Gauthier and Braden Davis. Freshman Tanner Bailey is joining the team in the summer.

Rattler joins the program with three years of eligibility remaining, though he is listed as a redshirt junior for the Gamecocks.

Rattler completed 361 of 515 passes for 4,595 yards and 40 touchdowns with 12 interceptions during his time at Oklahoma.