After starting quarterback Derek Carr suffered an oblique injury during Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs, the New Orleans Saints announced that Arizona native Spencer Rattler will make his first career NFL start this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Rattler, who attended Pinnacle High School, was drafted in the 5th round of the 2024 draft out of South Carolina. During a preseason game a couple of months ago, Rattler went 20-38 for 202 passing yards and a touchdown.
Rattler’s collegiate career was marked by both high expectations and setbacks. Heading into his sophomore season at the University of Oklahoma, he was a Heisman Trophy hopeful. However, after struggling early in the season, Rattler was benched in favor of Caleb Williams, who famously led the Sooners to a 55-48 comeback victory over Texas. Rattler did not play for the remainder of the season and later announced his transfer to South Carolina in 2022 to continue his career.
In his junior year at South Carolina, Rattler threw for 3,026 yards with a 66% completion rate, adding 18 touchdowns, three rushing scores, and 12 interceptions. He improved on those numbers as a senior, throwing for 3,186 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions.
Following a strong Pro Day and NFL Draft Combine, Rattler was projected to be a 3rd or 4th-round selection, but ultimately fell to the Saints in the 5th round of the draft. At one point, Rattler was considered the best quarterback in his graduate class. He also starred in the Netflix show QB1: Behind the Lights during his time at Pinnacle.
