What’s next for Spencer Rattler? Former QB Oklahoma chooses a new school after entering the transfer gate
Spencer Rattler will try to rebuild his squad next season at a new school and under a coach he knows well.
The former Oklahoma quarterback announced Monday night that he has committed to South Carolina. Rattler, sophomore in red, go to the transfer port November 29, the day after Coach Lincoln Riley left the OU for Southern California. He’s reuniting with Shane Beamer, who served as Riley’s assistant (assistant head coach/tight finish) for three years before taking the South Carolina head coach job last year.
The early signing period for the Class of 2022 begins on Wednesday.
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Riley benched Rattler midway through this year’s season for freshman Caleb Williams after a string of lackluster performances. The the last straw is Rattler’s play in the Red River Showdown versus Texas; he was 8 in 15 for 111 meters and had an interception ahead of the Longhorns.
Rattler managed just 12 more passes for the rest of the season, completing 10 of them for 112 yards and a touchdown. His 2021 overall numbers: 140 of 187 passes (74.9 completion rate), 1,483 yards, 11 touchdowns, 5 interceptions.
Those numbers – and the demotion – were a tough landing for Rattler to fall in love with. He started the season as a candidate for the Heisman Trophy and a first round lead in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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Now, he will try to rebuild his resume while playing in the SEC East next year. The Rattler represents a sizable upgrade to the Gamecocks quarter depth chart. South Carolina relies on graduate assistant Zeb Noland and fifth-year transfer Jason Brown for a big part of this season. Incumbent starter Luke Doty suffered a leg injury during fall camp, debuted in Week 3 and then worsened the injury in October against Vanderbilt, leading to season-ending surgery.
Despite the volatility in this position, the Gameocks finished 6-6 and earned a spot at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against North Carolina in Charlotte, NC, on December 30.
Currently, Doty will return in 2022 with midfielders Colten Gauthier and Jake Helfrich. Connor Jordan entered the transfer portal this week.
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Beamer didn’t stop at Rattler on Monday; he also lured Sooners’ ex-Austin Stogner out of the gate. Stogner has caught 14 166-foot-long passes (average 11.9) and three touchdowns as a junior this season.
He could replace fifth-year player Nick Muse and pair up with Jaheim Bell, who has had a big role in the Gamecocks’ passing game this season. Bell had 25 touchdowns, second on the team, 338 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore.
Double dose of turning left beamer spin Monday night:
