Former Oklahoma Sooners QB Spencer Rattler joins South Carolina Gamecocks

Former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Spencer Rattler has announced the decision to restart his college career with the South Carolina Gamecocks under coach Shane Beamer.

Rattler threw for 28 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman for Oklahoma in 2020. He lost his starting job with the Sooners recently this season. He announced his move on Monday Night on Twitter, captioning a picture of himself in a South Carolina uniform with the Gamecocks’ logo in the background with the words “COMMITTED”.

“Excited for the next chapter! #SpursUp,” Rattler’s post said.

About Rattler

Prior to the 2021 season, the 6-foot-1 player was considered a candidate for the Heisman Trophy. However, Caleb Williams took over his starting job. Rattler said he was leaving the program when the season ended.

Williams was promoted during the Sooners’ 55-48 comeback win against Texas on October 9 in the Red River Shootout. Williams completed 62.5 percent of his passes with 1,670 yards, 18 touchdowns, and four interceptions for the season. He ran for 408 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Rattler only managed to record 77 yards on 43 carries.

Rattler originated from Arizona. He was America's highest-rated pro-style quarterback when he graduated from high school in 2019. He won the National Freshman of the Year honors in 2020 after throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns.

This season, Rattler played in nine games. He made 140 of 187 passes for 1,483 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions, throwing for 3,031 yards in 2020 as Oklahoma ended the season 9-2.

Who else joins South Carolina

Tight end Austin Stogner also announced on Twitter that he was heading to South Carolina, saying: "Let's roll!! #ForeverToThee". The announcement was also made on Monday, which happened to be the first day of South Carolina's bowl practice for the Duke's Mayo Bowl on December 30 in Charlotte.

The 6-foot-6 Stogner hailed from Plano, Texas. He has recorded 14 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns so far. He made his best season with the Sooners in 2020 by producing 26 receptions for 422 yards and three touchdowns. He recently recovered from a staph infection in his leg.

Prior to the injury, Stogner was Second Team All-Big 12 selection with 26 receptions for 422 yards and three scores when he was a sophomore.

“Long, almost gangly prospect with a frame that can hold plenty more weight,” former 247Sports director of scouting Barton Simmons said of Stogner. “Has developed steadily and consistently over the course of high school career. Adequate combine testing but deceptively athletic. Plays with effort, physicality, and toughness.”

How South Carolina has fared so far

This year, the Gamecocks went 6-6 despite having employed three different quarterbacks, including Zeb Noland, and Jason Brown. 2021 also marks South Carolina's first season under Beamer at the helm. He previously spent three years at Oklahoma under former coach Lincoln Riley as assistant head coach for offense.

South Carolina's latest defeats include the 30-0 loss to in-state rival Clemson. With Stogner on board, the team's tight end room will include the Stogner himself, Jaheim Bell, Traevon Kenion, and Keveon Mullins. It is hoped that the composition would save the Gamecocks who have been eliminated from College Football Playoff contention following their defeat to Oklahoma State last week.