Spencer Rattler’s college football career was a whirlwind. Although he only played five years at two schools, which is not that many in the modern era, it feels like the 23-year-old has been around forever.
Part of that is because he was so highly-touted upon arrival to Oklahoma. Part of that is because his five years in Norman and Columbia came with constant scrutiny, even dating back to high school.
He has been the primary subject of headlines since he first pulled up to campus in June of 2019. Many of them were not particularly kind.
Rattler was a controversial figure during the early portion of his career. One particular scene from his appearance on ‘QB1: Beyond The Lights‘ loomed over him like a dark cloud. It did not portray him well.
From that point forward, Rattler was labeled as someone with an attitude problem. Unfortunately, he continued to play into that narrative during his first few years year with the Sooners, and especially year three.
Rattler was benched for Caleb Williams against Texas in 2021 and was visibly discouraged on the sideline. His body language during the next week’s game made his feelings very clear.
It was a humbling experience that forced him to grow up fast. And he did!
Spencer Rattler has matured a lot over the last five years.
There was a clear shift in Rattler’s approach to the game — and the fame that comes with it — after his reunion with Shane Beamer at South Carolina. On-field play aside, his maturity was clear.
Rattler ultimately won 13 of his 25 games with the Gamecocks and is expected to hear his name called during the NFL Draft in April. In the meantime, Rattler is down in Mobile for the Senior Bowl.
He spoke with NFL Network about the advice he would give his 17-year-old self and offered great perspective on how far he has come.
Nobody is entirely sure as to where Rattler will go. His ceiling is just as high as his floor is low.
It will be interesting to see what team takes a chance on a quarterback who has seen a lot of growth both as an athlete and as a person over the course of a rollercoaster college career!