Why this ESPN analyst thinks QB Spencer Rattler is ready for the SEC spotlight
Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy smirks at the thought.
Heading into the 2008 season, his three years in Tuscaloosa amounted to 20 passes for 196 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The hits had been fewer and further between, a non-contact jersey protecting him in practices and little playing time shielding him from games.
That initial contact in his first career start at Alabama against Virginia Tech in 2008, though, still stings.
“I remember my first hit against Virginia Tech,” McElroy quipped. “I was like, ‘This is different. They hit hard.’ ”
McElroy finished his career with over 5,600 yards and 39 touchdowns. He led the Crimson Tide to the 2010 BCS national title. He’s been under the microscope, scrutinized to the nth degree that comes with being the starting quarterback at Alabama.
It’s why the former college football star-turned-ESPN analyst is about as equipped as anyone to offer South Carolina signal-caller Spencer Rattler advice on quarterbacking an SEC squad.
“I’m sure he prepared just as hard as he did before (last year),” McElroy told The State on Wednesday. “But I think there were moments in which he looked skittish, because he felt like (Heisman Trophy talk and NFL draft hype) could all go by the wayside if he played poorly. I think that adds a lot to a young man’s plate.
“I think Shane (Beamer) will bring out the best of him and getting him comfortable again, allowing him to enjoy the game again and allow him to play freely again.”
Beamer said Tuesday he hasn’t had to worry about Rattler dealing with the scrutiny that might come his way this year. After all, starting at Oklahoma has its own set of beyond lofty expectations — following a lineage that included Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield.
That said, questions have been present over the offseason regarding Rattler’s ability, whether he’s capable of competing in the big, bad SEC and if perceived attitude issues famously flashed on Netflix’s “QB1: Beyond the Lights” are behind him.
Beamer assures he has zero concerns. Those within South Carolina’s program insist everything has gone according to plan in Columbia. McElroy, too, isn’t worried about what Rattler can bring to a Gamecocks team that’s trending toward the upper-middle portion of the SEC East.
“I don’t worry about Spencer,” Beamer said. “There may be some outside pressure with him. He’s been through the fire before. I saw firsthand how he handled it when he was at Oklahoma and started out 0-2. Never flinched. Continued to get better.
“There will be some ups, certainly some downs this season. But I have no worry about him from that standpoint and being able to handle it.”
Rattler, despite not attending SEC Media Days this week, has been a central figure in the week of offseason fodder — and with good reason.
South Carolina’s quarterback issues last season are well-documented. Four different players started under center. Luke Doty, Zeb Noland, Jason Brown and Dakereon Joyner were effective in stretches, but the inconsistency at the position plagued the Gamecocks all fall.
Rattler, in theory, changes that equation.
He’s a former five-star recruit who boasted offers from most every program in the country. He was anointed a preseason Heisman Trophy favorite a season ago. His name was even floated as a potential No. 1 overall draft pick.
But after a benching in favor of Caleb Williams at Oklahoma and his transfer to South Carolina, Rattler is suddenly in prove-it mode.
“I really respect Spencer, because obviously what happened with him last year (at Oklahoma) and all the hype around him from the show he was on on Netflix,” said Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, who worked out with Rattler at last month’s Manning Passing Academy. “I asked him a lot about that and how that shaped him as a person. I think he’s so much more mature than he was then and he’s learned a lot from that. I think he’s very misunderstood by a lot of people. He’s a really good dude and a heck of a quarterback.”
McElroy predicts a higher floor in Columbia with Rattler at the helm. That’s not a guarantee of contending in the SEC East, but the pieces are there, he believes.
If Rattler looks the part of his 2020-self — the one that landed him on most every preseason watch list in existence the following fall — South Carolina might just shock college football for the second consecutive season.
“They should feel really good about what they’ve brought in, the changes they’ve made and the pieces they’ve added,” McElroy said. “I’m really bullish on them. I think they’ve got chance to finish second the East. It wouldn’t shock me at all if they did.”
This story was originally published July 21, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
