Spencer Rattler calls Shane Beamer's transition to head coach 'natural'

Spencer Rattler and Shane Beamer practically grew together in college football over the last few years. Rattler had Beamer as his offensive coordinator at Oklahoma and eventually followed him to South Carolina after the former took the head coaching gig out east.

Rattler had tremendous confidence in Beamer’s ability to be a head coach one day, hence why he became a Gamecock after all. The two together could be a lethal combo for the SEC in Rattler’s final season.

Plus, with what Beamer is doing to build the South Carolina program, he has a lot of potential as a long time head coach in Columbia.

“I feel like it’s natural,” Rattler said. “It’s in his blood, right? His dad is an all-time legend. Frank Beamer still comes around, which is awesome to see. I feel like he’s a natural. He’s a natural leader, great person, great coach. Everything he says and does motivates us as a group. He has this program headed in the right direction.”

Under Beamer’s direction last season, Rattler had his moments but still vied to improve ahead of his final season. Last year, Rattler had 3,026 yards, 18 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 66.2% completion percentage.

In his career, Rattler has 7,621 yards, 58 touchdowns, 24 interceptions and a 68.4% completion percentage.

As a member of the Class of 2019, Rattler was a five-star recruit out of Phoenix (Ari.) Pinnacle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 1 quarterback in the class and the No. 15 overall prospect in the class.

“I think the biggest thing, one, is forget about what he did on the field,” Beamer said of Rattler. “I knew what kind of person Spencer is. It wasn’t like I was bringing in a guy to play quarterback that I didn’t know. 

“I spent two years with him at Oklahoma, a little bit longer if you count the recruiting process as well. He was committed when I got there, but I was with him in those two seasons. So I knew what kind of person he was.”

Rattler dealt with adversity prior to South Carolina, according to Beamer. He came into a loaded quarterback room as a much hyped prospect. Maybe too hyped given the expectations of Heisman and national championship.