Once a heralded prospect headed to Oklahoma football, Spencer Rattler, with a two-year stop with the South Carolina Gamecocks, is ready for the NFL. While competing in practices leading up to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, Rattler has gained his peers’ attention and respect. According to bowl game executive director Jim Nagy, Rattler has been named the top QB on the American team via a vote from his defensive teammates. The award goes to the top gunslinger during the practice play-of-the-week awards ceremony.
South Carolina's Spencer Rattler was named top QB on the American team in a vote from defensive teammates at practice player-of-the-week awards ceremony today at 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl. #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/nirvHQ0q0B
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 2, 2024
Rattler edged out South Alabama quarterback Carter Bradley, fellow SEC gunslinger Joe Milton III, and Tulane’s Michael Pratt. Meanwhile, former Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. won the top QB award on the National Team.
Spencer Rattler: Impressing at Senior Bowl
Rattler turned heads yesterday during seven-on-seven drills in the red zone, firing a 14-yard touchdown from the left hashmark to the front pylon on the right side of the field. The former Oklahoma quarterback was also impressive during one-on-one and team drills. Rattler showed more poise and precision in the pocket than his counterparts.
The official Reese’s Senior Bowl game is Saturday, with Rattler again getting an opportunity to flash his talent in front of NFL scouts. He entered this week as a potential mid-to-late round pick, but bowl game coordinator Jim Nagy believes he could go in the second or third round. Per NFL Draft Buzz, Rattler is a mobile pocket passer with a third-round grade.
Spencer Rattler: Unorthodox Road Started with Oklahoma Football
Rattler, a five-star recruit from Pinnacle High School in Phoenix, Arizona, signed with the Oklahoma Sooners for the 2019 season. After sitting behind now-Philadelphia Eagles dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts as a freshman, Rattler became the full-time starter in Lincoln Riley’s offense in 2020. The Sooners went 9-2, won the Cotton Bowl, and Rattler threw for 3,031 yards and 28 touchdowns against seven picks. However, his career turned upside down in 2021, with Rattler throwing 11 touchdowns against five picks before his benching against rival Texas. Caleb Williams usurped Rattler, never relinquishing the job back.
Rattler, Williams, and Riley left the program the following season, with the former Pinnacle High School quarterback headed to South Carolina. Rattler threw for 3,026 yards and 18 touchdowns against 12 picks during his first season with the Gamecocks. However, the six-foot-one gunslinger flashed brilliance late in the season, throwing ten touchdowns in his last three games against Tennessee, Clemson, and Notre Dame. Rattler threw for a career-high 3,186 yards this season with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
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