Spencer Rattler reveals how he has transformed his body as he joined South Carolina

Spencer Rattler knew showing his leadership was crucial upon arriving in South Carolina this spring, but he was also aware there was a line. He didn’t want to say too much before his new teammates had gotten a chance to know him, so he decided to take a different approach.

Rattler let his work speak for itself, giving everything he had in workouts throughout the spring and summer. The result? He estimates he has added about 15 pounds since arriving on campus

“Coming in as a quarterback, you want to be an example,” Rattler explained on the Zach Gelb Show this past week. “When I came in I wanted to be an example, but I didn’t want to be too vocal because I was a new guy. So I just showed my leadership through my work in the workouts. The workouts have definitely improved my game a lot. I’ve put on 15 pounds of muscle and put my weight up. I feel like I’m stronger, a little faster, throwing the ball a little harder. All the little things.”

Rattler said though it is typically viewed differently when quarterbacks add weight as opposed to other players, he felt it was necessary based on the level of competition in the SEC. Last season the conference boasted eight teams among the top 50 in total defense. With the extra muscle added to his frame, Rattler will be able to play more physically than he has in the past.

“I think just transferring to a conference where you know dudes are a little bigger, you beef up and get a little stronger,” he said. “I’m not saying the Big 12 defenses weren’t good because they were. We played a lot of great defenses. Baylor and Oklahoma State just to name a few. But just knowing how this conference is and where I want to take my game. I think I’m comfortable with it. I probably won’t play at 218, but I’ll be around 215 max.”

Spencer Rattler is coming off of a disappointing season with the Sooners that saw him benched midway through the year, but still brings lots of potential with him to South Carolina. As a high school recruit in 2019, he ranked as the No. 1 overall quarterback according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. During just his second college season in 2020, he threw for 3,031 yards, 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading Oklahoma to a conference title.

The Gamecocks will hope that Rattler is able to recapture some of that magic this season in Columbia. With the extra weight added, he could be even better. He’ll get his first opportunity to show how he has improved when South Carolina opens the season on Sept. 3 against Georgia State.