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Spencer Rattler says he's learned how to adapt

DSC_0394by:Joe Macheca•07/17/22•

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Gamecocks Spencer Rattler drops back to pass during the Garnet and Black spring game. (PHOTO: Chris Gillespie - Gamecock Central)

Gamecock football quarterback Spencer Rattler has been no stranger to change. The highly touted transfer learned a lot about himself this offseason, most importantly adaptation.

In a Garnet Trust exclusive interview, Rattler caught up with GamecockCentral’s Kendall Smith.

“Being able to adapt with a new team and be able to lead is something I would say I’ve learned about myself,” Rattler said.

Adaptation is necessary for the current landscape of college football. Rattler is a prime example of how quickly things can change.

Rattler entered the 2021 season as a Heisman trophy favorite. Then he was benched for true freshman Caleb Williams during the Red River Rivalry in week 6.

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Rattler compares the move to back when he was in high school and changing sports. He said he was always ready for the next season. In this case, he was ready for a change of scenery.

“Just being able to have that change of scenery is refreshing, you know?” Rattler said.

Back in November of 2021, Rattler decided to make the leap of faith and enter the transfer portal.

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Shane Beamer also pursued out of the transfer portal former Sooners tight end Austin Stogner, a friend of Rattler’s and player he coached as an assistant at Oklahoma. A quarterback was definitely an offseason need, but Beamer has said it was Stogner’s dad who was the one who told him to reach out to Rattler. The rest is history.

Now the duo comes to Columbia to join Gamecock football for a highly anticipated fall. The pair headlines a big transfer class pulled in by Beamer and company during the offseason.

“I would say definitely that I’m able to adapt to a new system, new people, new state, everything,” Rattler said.

The fresh start seems to have uplifted Rattler. It feels as if he is a lot more comfortable in the Soda City. With the season less than 50 days away, that is exactly what the team needs. When a leader is in a good headspace, everyone else follows suit.

Furthermore, the Gamecocks have nothing to lose. After last season’s 7-6 finish the bar is not that high. Moreover, the fanbase just expects better. This season will be what the team makes of it. With Rattler at the helm in addition to a reloaded roster, the sky is the limit.

The Gamecocks report back for summer practice on August 5th.

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