Shane Beamer reveals the aspect of Spencer Rattler's game that doesn't get enough credit

South Carolina showed off their new toys on Saturday, with all eyes on former Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler. Shane Beamer was pleased with Rattler in his debut during the Gamecocks’ spring game, as the quarterback finished the contest 8-for-10 passing for 79 yards, while also running the ball twice for 12 yards.

In a press conference afterwards, Beamer spoke about an aspect of Rattler’s game that doesn’t get enough credit.

“Spencer to me doesn’t get enough credit for how athletic he is,” stated Beamer. “They didn’t run him at Oklahoma last year like they did with Jalen Hurts previously, but Spencer’s athletic enough where he can run. He’s not going to be a running quarterback, but certainly he can be a threat running the football. So, pleased with him from that standpoint.”

Evidently, the Gamecocks may look to have Rattler use his legs more than he did at Oklahoma. As Beamer mentions, the Sooners may have missed an opportunity by not running the quarterback more often, as Rattler accumulated 260 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 126 rushing attempts at Oklahoma.

Nevertheless, Shane Beamer is excited to have Spencer Rattler as his quarterback. South Carolina’s spring game was a good start for the new coach and quarterback combination in Columbia.

Spencer Rattler on spring game performance: ‘We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I thought we did some good things.’

While Shane Beamer was pleased with Spencer Rattler’s performance, the quarterback knows there’s more to be done. During the game on Saturday, Rattler joined SEC Network’s Ryan McGee for an interview on the sidelines, where he assessed his performance for the day.

“I had a good few drives getting the flow down and getting the chemistry with my guys,” the quarterback said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I thought we did some good things. Like you said, I’m excited watching these other guys get in and make big-time plays.”

Rattler took a couple of deep shots in the game, connecting with Xavier Legette for 30 yards in the first quarter. Perhaps his best highlight of the day came in the second quarter with a defender chasing him down on third-and-18. Rattler managed to get rid of the ball on the run for a 16-yard gain to Antwane Wells Jr. that set up fourth and short. In the interview with McGee, Rattler said he has had no issues developing chemistry with his teammates since arriving this offseason.

“It’s going great,” he said. “They accepted all of us transfers and we’ve just played really well with everybody.”

A former five-star recruit and the No. 1 quarterback in the 2019 class according to On3 Consensus, Rattler played under current Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer for two seasons with the Sooners in 2019 and 2020. After coach Lincoln Riley left Oklahoma for USC this offseason, Rattler decided to reunite with Beamer at South Carolina.

The quarterback will make his official debut when South Carolina opens up the 2022 season against Georgia State on Sept. 3.