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Spencer Rattler

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Spencer Rattler
refer to caption
Rattler with the Saints in 2024
No. 18 – New Orleans Saints
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (2000-09-28) September 28, 2000 (age 24)
Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:211 lb (96 kg)
Career information
High school:Pinnacle (Phoenix)
College:
NFL draft:2024 / round: 5 / pick: 150
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 15, 2024
Passing attempts:120
Passing completions:69
Completion percentage:57.5%
TD–INT:2–2
Passing yards:706
Passer rating:73.1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Spencer Michael Rattler (born September 28, 2000) is an American professional football quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played his first three seasons of college football for the Oklahoma Sooners, receiving first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2020, and his final two with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Rattler was selected by the Saints in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Early life

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Rattler attended Pinnacle High School in Phoenix, Arizona, for all of his four years of high school. He broke the Arizona high school passing record on his 18th birthday.[1] Rattler threw for 11,083 yards in his four years with 116 passing touchdowns and rushed for 1,040 yards with 14 rushing touchdowns.[2] Early in his senior season, he was named MVP of the Elite 11 at The Opening in Texas.[3]

In his final season at Pinnacle, Rattler starred in a Peter Berg-directed Netflix sports documentary series called QB1: Beyond the Lights. Rattler was later suspended for violating a district code of conduct, and was ineligible to play for the rest of the season due to cheating.[4] He initially said he had a sprained MCL, but the school administration later advised him not to speak of the nature of the code of conduct violation.

By the end of his sophomore year in high school, he had received 14 offers from NCAA D-I schools, including Alabama, Notre Dame, and Miami. On June 19, 2017, he visited Oklahoma on an unofficial visit and committed to Oklahoma a week later. On December 19, 2018, he signed his letter of intent to play for coach Lincoln Riley and the Sooners.[5] He was considered a 5 star quarterback by 247Sports[6] and Rivals.com,[7] and a 4 star by ESPN.[8] Rattler was also considered the consensus #1 quarterback and #1 overall prospect from Arizona in the 2019 recruiting class.[9]

College career

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Oklahoma

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2019

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On June 12, 2019, Rattler enrolled at Oklahoma.[10][11] He saw action in the second half of the College Football Playoff Semi-Final Game against LSU. Overall, he appeared in a total of three games in the 2019 season, and thus was able to redshirt his freshman year of college.[12][13]

2020

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Going into his redshirt freshman season, Rattler competed with Tanner Mordecai for the starting job.[14] On September 1, Lincoln Riley announced that Rattler had won the starting quarterback job over Mordecai,[15] and Rattler made his starting debut on September 12 against Missouri State.[16] On September 26, Rattler tied the Oklahoma record for most touchdown passes through two weeks with 8, set by Sam Bradford in 2008.[17] However, Rattler's starting job got off to a rocky start when he and his Sooners were upset by Kansas State in his second start.[18] In his third start, Rattler threw for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns in the upset loss at Iowa State. This loss snapped a streak of 24 straight home losses by Iowa State to Oklahoma.[19] Rattler and the Sooners made a comeback with the win against Texas in the Red River Rivalry game. On November 7, Rattler injured his hip in a win against Kansas.[20] As the starting quarterback, he led the Oklahoma Sooners to a 6th consecutive Big 12 Championship, winning 27–21 over Iowa State.

2021

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Going into the 2021 season, Rattler was the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.[21][22][23] However, during Oklahoma's match-up against Texas, Rattler was benched during the second quarter for Caleb Williams and would not play the rest of the season.[24] In November 2021, Rattler's personal coach, Mike Giovando, announced that he would be leaving Oklahoma.[25] Ole Miss, UCLA, Arizona State, Nebraska, Pitt, Auburn, Missouri, and Oregon were among the schools that pushed for Rattler the hardest.[26]

South Carolina

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In December 2021, Rattler announced he would be transferring to the University of South Carolina to play for the South Carolina Gamecocks, under head coach Shane Beamer.[27] Rattler and Beamer had a connection from their time together at Oklahoma.[28] South Carolina tight ends Austin Stogner and Jaheim Bell have also been cited as influencing Rattler's decision.[29][30]

2022

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Rattler in the 2022 game against Tennessee

As the starting quarterback for South Carolina in 2022, Rattler led his team to an 8–5 record.[31] He threw 3,012 passing yards and scored eighteen touchdowns but also threw twelve interceptions.[32] His performance in the first ten games of the season was described as "underwhelming": he averaged 198 passing yards and threw more interceptions than touchdowns.[33] However, at the end of the regular season, he led the Gamecocks in two massive upsets. He threw 438 passing yards and six touchdowns in a win over No. 5 Tennessee, breaking the program record for most touchdown passes in a game.[34] The following week, he played for 360 yards and two touchdowns in a win over No. 8 Clemson, South Carolina's archrival, becoming the first South Carolina starting quarterback to beat Clemson since Connor Shaw in 2013. With these wins, Rattler became the first South Carolina quarterback to ever win back-to-back games against top 10 teams.[35] South Carolina then reached its highest CFP ranking ever and its highest AP ranking since 2014, at No. 19 and No. 20, respectively.

In the 2022 Gator Bowl, Rattler and the Gamecocks lost to No. 21 Notre Dame 45–38 in a competitive game, finishing the season 8–5 and ranked No. 23, the program's first finish in the AP Poll since 2013, when they finished No. 4.[36]

On January 10, 2023, Rattler announced he would return to South Carolina for 2023.[37]

2023

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Rattler led South Carolina to a 5–7 record in 2023, throwing a career-high 3,186 yards and 275 completions while doing so.[38][39] His 2023 season was described as "one of the best quarterback seasons in school history" and Rattler was described as being "among the country’s best signal-callers".[40]

Rattler declared for the 2024 NFL draft following the season, finishing fifth in career passing yards and first in career completion percentage at South Carolina.[41][42] He played in the 2024 Senior Bowl and was named its MVP.[43]

Statistics

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College statistics
Season Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
Oklahoma Sooners
2019 3 0 — 7 11 63.6 81 1 0 155.5 3 23 7.7 0
2020 11 11 9–2 214 317 67.5 3,031 28 7 172.6 81 160 2.0 6
2021 9 6 6–0 140 187 74.9 1,483 11 5 155.5 43 77 1.8 3
South Carolina Gamecocks
2022 13 13 8–5 264 399 66.2 3,026 18 12 138.7 73 46 0.6 3
2023 12 12 5–7 275 399 68.9 3,186 19 8 147.7 97 104 1.1 4
Career 48 42 28–14 900 1,313 68.5 10,807 77 32 152.2 297 410 1.4 16

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 0+1⁄4 in
(1.84 m) 		211 lb
(96 kg) 		31 in
(0.79 m) 		9+7⁄8 in
(0.25 m)		 4.95 s 1.63 s 2.83 s 4.37 s 7.21 s 32.0 in
(0.81 m)		 9 ft 0 in
(2.74 m)
All values from NFL Combine[44][45]

Rattler was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round with the 150th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.[46]

There were 137 players selected in between Rattler and the previous quarterback drafted, Bo Nix, setting a record for the common draft era.[47] In the 2024 preseason, Rattler completed 20 of 38 pass attempts for 202 yards and a passing touchdown, as well as an 8 yard rushing touchdown.[48]

After starting quarterback Derek Carr suffered an injury in Week 5, Spencer Rattler became the Saints' starting quarterback for Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, completing 22 of 40 passes for 243 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions as the Saints lost 51–27.[49][50] In his second start, a 33–10 loss to the Denver Broncos, Rattler completed 25 of 35 passes for 172 yards, rushed for 34 yards, and was sacked six times. He fumbled twice, one returned for a touchdown, before leaving the game due to a hip injury late in the fourth quarter.[51] In Week 15 against the Washington Commanders, Rattler replaced starting quarterback Jake Haener in the 2nd half. Rattler completed 10 of 21 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown to Foster Moreau with no time left on the clock, which brought the score within a point. However the Saints failed on the subsequent 2 point conversion attempt, thus losing 19-20.

NFL career statistics

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Year Team Games Passing Rushing Sacks Fumbles
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A Y/G Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg Lng TD Sck SckY Fum Lost
2024 NO 4 3 0–3 69 120 57.5 706 5.9 176.5 41 2 2 73.1 9 61 6.8 28 0 14 73 3 2
Career 4 3 0–3 69 120 57.5 706 5.9 176.5 41 2 2 73.1 9 61 6.8 28 0 14 73 3 2

References

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  1. ^ Newman, Logan (September 29, 2018). "Oklahoma commit Spencer Rattler breaks Arizona passing yards record". USA TODAY High School Sports. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  2. ^ "Spencer Rattler's High School Football Stats". MaxPreps.com. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  3. ^ Obert, Richard (October 23, 2018). "Pinnacle QB Spencer Rattler ruled ineligible for rest of season after violating school policy". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
  4. ^ Bumbaca, Chris (May 7, 2024). "Spencer Rattler's 'QB1' reality show followed him to NFL draft – but did it really matter?". Yahoo! Sports Canada. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  5. ^ Obert, Richard (December 18, 2018). "Spencer Rattler can't wait to sign with Oklahoma, will make it official Wednesday". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  6. ^ "Spencer Rattler, Pinnacle , Pro-Style Quarterback". 247Sports. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  7. ^ "Spencer Rattler, 2019 Dual-threat quarterback". Rivals.com. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  8. ^ "ESPN Football Recruiting – 300 Player Rankings". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on April 23, 2018.
  9. ^ "Spencer Rattler, Pinnacle , Pro-Style Quarterback". 247Sports.
  10. ^ "Spencer Rattler Timeline Events". 247sports.com. July 25, 2020. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  11. ^ Smith, Erick (January 16, 2019). "Jalen Hurts announces transfer to Oklahoma after three seasons at Alabama". USA Today. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  12. ^ "Spencer Rattler College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  13. ^ Curtright, Austin (April 25, 2024). "Spencer Rattler career timeline: Looking back on South Carolina quarterback's college career, transfer from Oklahoma". The Greenville News. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  14. ^ Reneau, Kegan (January 3, 2020). "Tanner Mordecai will reportedly return to Oklahoma, compete with Spencer Rattler for quarterback job". Sooners Wire. USA Today. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  15. ^ Brunt, Cliff (September 1, 2020). "Spencer Rattler Named Starting QB for #5 Oklahoma". AP News. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
  16. ^ "Missouri State vs. Oklahoma – Game Summary – September 12, 2020". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  17. ^ Boan, Christopher (September 26, 2020). "Former Pinnacle HS quarterback Spencer Rattler ties OU passing record". Arizona Sports. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  18. ^ "Kansas State vs. Oklahoma – Game Recap – September 26, 2020 – ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  19. ^ "Oklahoma vs. Iowa State – Game Recap – October 3, 2020 – ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  20. ^ Plaisance, Steven (November 7, 2020). "Oklahoma's Spencer Rattler hurts hip in game against Kansas". Sooners Wire. USA Today. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  21. ^ Mullin, Eric (September 2, 2021). "Oklahoma's Spencer Rattler leads early Heisman odds for 2021". NBC Sports. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  22. ^ Severance, Matt (January 10, 2023). "2023 Heisman Trophy odds: USC quarterback Caleb Williams favored to become second repeat winner". SportsLine. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  23. ^ Sam, Doric (November 29, 2023). "Spencer Rattler Declares for 2024 NFL Draft After Oklahoma, South Carolina Stints". Bleacher Report. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  24. ^ Wilson, Dave (October 9, 2021). "Riley's QB swap pays off in 'epic' OU rivalry win". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
  25. ^ Farris, Anthony (November 5, 2021). "Coach confirms Spencer Rattler will be leaving Oklahoma". OutKick. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  26. ^ Johnson, Richard (September 9, 2022). "Spencer Rattler's New Challenge at South Carolina". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  27. ^ Daniels, Tim (December 13, 2021). "Spencer Rattler to Transfer to South Carolina After 3 Seasons at Oklahoma". Bleacher Report. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  28. ^ Diaz, Cory (January 5, 2022). "Spencer Rattler shares how link with Shane Beamer led him to South Carolina in interview". The Greenville News. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  29. ^ Summers, Mitchel (August 5, 2022). "Spencer Rattler ready for new start with Gamecocks". FOX Carolina. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  30. ^ Johnson, Richard (September 9, 2022). "Spencer Rattler's New Challenge at South Carolina". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  31. ^ "2022 South Carolina Gamecocks Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  32. ^ Sallee, Barrett (January 10, 2023). "Spencer Rattler returning to South Carolina: Gamecocks star QB provides continuity for 2023 season". CBSSports.com. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  33. ^ Adams, Emily (March 21, 2023). "What Shane Beamer said biggest change is for South Carolina football QB Spencer Rattler in Year 2". Yahoo! News. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  34. ^ Summers, Mitchel (November 19, 2022). "Rattler throws 6 touchdowns as Gamecocks stun No. 5 Tennessee 63-38". FOX Carolina. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  35. ^ Adams, Emily (November 29, 2022). "South Carolina football ranked No. 19 by College Football Playoff, highest in program history". The Greenville News. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  36. ^ Adams, Emily (January 10, 2023). "South Carolina football finishes ranked in AP Top 25 poll for first time since 2013". The Greenville News. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  37. ^ Low, Chris (January 11, 2023). "QB Rattler says he's returning to South Carolina". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  38. ^ "2023 South Carolina Gamecocks Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  39. ^ "Spencer Rattler 2023 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  40. ^ Miller, Kevin (November 21, 2023). "South Carolina Football: Spencer Rattler to play in Senior Bowl". Garnet and Cocky. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  41. ^ Adams, Emily (November 29, 2023). "Spencer Rattler declares for 2024 NFL Draft, forgoes South Carolina football eligibility". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  42. ^ Kesin, Lulu (April 27, 2024). "Pros, cons of New Orleans Saints picking South Carolina's Spencer Rattler in 2024 NFL Draft". The Greenville News. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  43. ^ Harvey, Paul (February 3, 2024). "Spencer Rattler shines with Senior Bowl MVP honors". Saturday Down South. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  44. ^ "Spencer Rattler Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  45. ^ "2024 NFL Draft Scout Spencer Rattler College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  46. ^ Sigler, John (April 27, 2024). "Saints stun in Round 5, draft South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler". Saints Wire. USA Today. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
  47. ^ "How good is this 2024 NFL draft class? Records and trends for key positions". ESPN.com. April 27, 2024. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  48. ^ "Spencer Rattler - New Orleans Saints Quarterback". ESPN. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  49. ^ Shook, Nick (October 9, 2024). "Rookie QB Spencer Rattler to start for Saints vs. Buccaneers on Sunday in place of injured Derek Carr". NFL.com. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  50. ^ Terrell, Katherine (October 13, 2024). "Saints' Rattler throws TD, 2 INTs in uneven debut". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  51. ^ Greif, Andrew (October 17, 2024). "Thursday Night Football highlights: Broncos defeat Saints 33-10 in Sean Payton's return to New Orleans". NBC News. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
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