What South Carolina alum Spencer Rattler said ahead of first NFL start
South Carolina football fans have good reason to watch the New Orleans Saints play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Why? Because Spencer Rattler is getting his first NFL start in the NFC South matchup. The rookie signal-caller has not seen any game action so far during the regular season.
Rattler will fill in for injured veteran Derek Carr, and he had plenty to say about his opportunity. With Carr’s injury being of the multi-week variety, the former South Carolina star should get more than one week to make his impression on the NFL.
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Speaking to reporters during a Friday press conference, Spencer Rattler shared how he is feeling ahead of the start. “I’m very excited. This is something you work toward your whole life…I’m very fortunate to be in this position…It sucks that Derek got hurt, a leader of our team, one of the best dudes in the building. But I have a job to do, gotta go out there and execute at a high level.”
The former South Carolina star already has a plan in mind for Sunday: get the ball to Chris Olave. He told reporters, “Man, he’s different. I make it a key point when he’s in, get him the ball. That simple…I love our group. We’ve got so many talented dudes that I can lean on. I don’t have to do too much, just facilitate the ball to them.”
Spencer Rattler is no stranger to the spotlight. He was on a Netflix show as a teenager and started games at Oklahoma and South Carolina before going pro. Now, he gets his NFL opportunity. As big as the moment is, the Gamecock great feels it won’t be too much for him. “I think you have to be fearless.” His coach believes in him, too. Saints headman Dennis Allen said, “[Spencer Rattler] has a no-flinch mentality.”
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Though the young quarterback is inexperienced, his teammates have confidence in him. During the week leading up to Sunday’s game, several Saints spoke highly of Spencer Rattler.
Defensive tackle Khalen Saunders said that Rattler has some Patrick Mahomes-esque qualities. “Outside of how they look—they kind of look like each other—but Spencer has a quality of playmaking ability on scramble plays…when he gets off his spot, the play is not over for him…I’m excited to see how he handles his first start.”
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Safety Mason Tipton spoke to ABC affiliate WGNO Sports in New Orleans and added, “He’s ready…Spence is a confident guy. He’s a great dude, so we’re all excited for him.”
Even Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is ready to see the first-year quarterback in action. Also speaking with WGNO Sports, Kubiak affirmed his confidence in Rattler. “No, I’m not concerned. I’m excited.”
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Earlier this week, Rattler shared with Saints media that New Orleans legend Archie Manning reached out to him. “[Manning] said he’s rooting for me. He’s been an awesome resource to have out here. We will text back and forth here a little bit.”
It is safe to say that Rattler’s debut has a little more juice than most debuts for 5th round picks. Following a strong preseason and training camp, things will become real for No. 18 on Sunday.
South Carolina football fans interested in watching Spencer Rattler and the Saints on Sunday can tune in to Fox or the FoxSports app at 1:00 p.m.
