Spencer Rattler: Oklahoma Bench Led to Blessing with Caleb Williams
Spencer Rattler’s career took a pivotal turn during his time at the University of Oklahoma. In 2021, he was the starting quarterback for the Sooners, embarking on his third season. However, halfway through the season, Rattler faced an unexpected challenge when he was benched in favor of true freshman Caleb Williams.
From Benched Quarterback to South Carolina Star
The benching, initially a disappointment for Rattler, has since been re-evaluated as a blessing. He believes it has positively shaped his career trajectory. As he prepares to lead the New Orleans Saints against Williams and the Chicago Bears, Rattler reflects on how this experience led him to transfer to South Carolina.
- 2021: Rattler benched for Caleb Williams at Oklahoma
- Transfer: Later moved to South Carolina
- Current Role: Starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints
- Upcoming Game: Facing Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears
Maturing Through Adversity
Rattler acknowledges that everyone has their unique journey. He stated, “We all have our own paths and we’ve got to do our best with our own paths.” Rattler sees his time at Oklahoma as a formative experience that contributed to his development as a player.
After moving to South Carolina, Rattler felt he could hone his skills and prepare for the NFL. He referred to the benching as a “blessing in disguise,” allowing him to focus on personal growth and development.
The Current Dynamic with Caleb Williams
Both quarterbacks have continued their careers elsewhere. Caleb Williams transferred to the University of Southern California (USC) the following year. Their paths diverged, but Rattler maintains a cordial relationship with Williams.
- Relationship: “Cordial,” according to Rattler
- Respect: Rattler acknowledges Williams as a “good player”
As Rattler prepares for the upcoming game against the Bears, he admits there is a desire to outperform his former teammate. Beating Williams would be a satisfying achievement for Rattler, adding another layer to their competitive history.
