Spencer Rattler reveals what kind of quarterback he can be, how he handles NFL Draft talk

Entering last season at Oklahoma, Spencer Rattler was viewed as a Heisman favorite and a possible No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. But after a disappointing year, Rattler is now looking to rebuild his stock after transferring to South Carolina.

The Gamecocks had an impressive season last year, winning seven games without any sort of stability at quarterback. Rattler hopes to provide that this season, and he knows that he is capable of reaching the same level he was once at if he puts in the work and buys in.

“I think I can take my game to another level this year if I just buy in in the film room and do what my coaches tell me,” Rattler said on The Zach Gelb Show. “We go out there and compete as a team. If everybody plays well, then everybody’s gonna have highlights, success. So that’s what we’re focused on first.

“I still think I can play very well this year. And we’ll see where the cards roll next year. But really focused on this year and not looking too far into the future. But I’m still confident.”

How Rattler will handle NFL Draft talk at South Carolina

While he is far from a sure thing in the eyes of many when previewing the 2023 NFL Draft, Rattler’s name will undoubtedly be brought up. He threw for 3,031 yards with 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2020, also rushing for six more scores. After throwing for just 1,483 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions last season and being benched midway through the year, Rattler needs a strong year to be back on the radar.

Ultimately, Rattler has maintained the same confidence he has always carried, and he knows that a return to form at South Carolina could be very beneficial to his football career long-term.

“You always want to think of yourself as the best guy,” said Rattler. “So my mindset hasn’t changed. I’m just gonna keep putting in the work to get back to that first-round whatever and get to it. But the main focus right now is being up here working with the guys, really buying in and creating that chemistry on the team and I’m excited for it.”

South Carolina comes in at No. 11 in the latest SEC power rankings from On3. If Rattler can provide that much needed stability at quarterback, the Gamecocks could prove everybody wrong for a second consecutive season.