Spencer Rattler on adjustment: SEC quarterbacks have to deal with 'serious defense'

Former Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler entered last season as the Heisman favorite and projected top NFL pick, but opted to transfer to South Carolina after losing his starting job to Caleb Williams midway through the year. Now in a new environment, he recognizes the task ahead of him while facing the defenses around him.

In an interview with 247 Sports, Spencer Rattler spoke about the difference between facing a Big 12 defense and one in the SEC, where he believes the challenge will bring out his best in 2022.

“Different environments, going against serious defenses, definitely gonna have to prepare for that,” said Rattler. “I’m excited for the opportunities. Big-time stages every Saturday. And it’s just football at the end of the day, so we’re gonna go out there with a game plan and hopefully execute.”

As the former five-star prospect continues to grow as a quarterback, he believes the change of scenery and new system could be the key to unlocking his potential. The No. 1 quarterback in the 2019 On3 Consensus and No. 15 overall player will now get his chance to showcase the improvements against the SEC in 2022.

Spencer Rattler on South Carolina offense

In addition to the talk about the SEC defenses, Spencer Rattler also discussed the change he will see on the offensive side of the ball. He appears happy with the changes from Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma to Shane Beamer at South Carolina.

“We have more on our plate,” said Rattler. “Being a quarterback here you know more lingo, learning more pro-style type offenses which is better for the next level. We’re doing board work and stuff like that — learning protections, slides, Mike (linebacker) points, all that type of stuff. So it’s definitely beneficial for me as a quarterback.”

Over three seasons at Oklahoma, Rattler appeared in 23 games, including nine in 2021 before entering the transfer portal. He finished his Sooners career with 4,595 passing yards with 40 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, also posting a 166.0 quarterback rating before freshman phenom Caleb Williams arrived.

South Carolina came into the season in need of a top-tier quarterback and got one with Rattler. After deciding to transfer, the Arizona native ranked No. 5 overall in the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings and No. 3 among quarterbacks. He also has plenty of new weapons joining him on the Gamecocks roster and returns a group which overachieved in 2021.