Spencer Rattler reveals feelings on South Carolina transition, switching offensive systems

Speaking on Friday at the Manning Passing Academy, new South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler opened up about the transition from Norman, Oklahoma, to Columbia. After three seasons with the Sooners, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks in December.

“It’s been great, getting in a whole new system, whole new state, area, everything,” Rattler said. “Learning that new system, that pro-style type offense, it’s really helped my game I think so far. I have a long ways to go, but that’s what summer camp is for, that’s what fall camp’s for and we’re just going to keep grinding.”

Rattler is among the SEC’s top quarterbacks this offseason after taking, then losing, the starting job at Oklahoma last season. He started the first five games of 2021, leading them to a 5-0 record. However, four of those five games were decided by a touchdown or less. After Oklahoma found itself trailing 38-20 at halftime against Texas in Week 6, Lincoln Riley opted to go with Caleb Williams for the remainder of the second half.

Now in a new town and in a new offensive system, Rattler believes he’s gearing up for a successful first year. The Gamecock’s former five-star prospect is excited for the pro-style system he gets to run in 2022.

“Being in this type of system, you can talk the game a little more,” Rattler said at the MPA. There’s more verbiage, different play calls, and different reads. You’re under center. You’re doing a lot of stuff that the pros are doing, so that helps set you up for that next level and obviously mentally helps.”

Rattler focused on new system, 2022 growth

As the Sooners starter during the 2020 season, he finished with 3,031 yards passing, 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions while also delivering a Big 12 Championship and Cotton Bowl victory. As he prepares to take on a new challenge with the Gamecocks, he will try to block out the doubters and regain the magic he had that year.

“You can’t really get bought into what people say,” Rattler said. “That’s something I’ve learned in my college career so far and my career overall. So I really don’t focus on that. Definitely getting older and being able to go through adversity helps you with that. It doesn’t faze me.”

Rattler’s first chance to make an impact in South Carolina will come during the season opener on Sept. 3 against Georgia State.