S. Carolina's Rattler finds 'blessing' in early college career struggles - ESPN

NASHVILLE — Spencer Rattler's journey through football has vacillated between distinct extremes. He entered Oklahoma as an elite recruit and exited as a high-profile transfer. His stint as an OU starter was sandwiched around a Super Bowl quarterback (Jalen Hurts) and the latest Heisman Trophy winner (Caleb Williams).

Along the way, he's been benched at Oklahoma, endured nearly a half-season of struggles at South Carolina and then re-ignited his promising trajectory with a dazzling flourish to end the 2022 season that included wins over Tennessee and Clemson.

As Rattler enters his senior year at South Carolina and second overall at the school, he reflected on his jagged journey and predicted the struggles are going to help him thrive in the long-term.

«I see it as a blessing,» Rattler said. «God has me going through this for a reason. That's how I look at it, truly. And there can't be success without adversity. So being able to go through that adversity and come out on the other end, it's a great feeling.»

So what version of Rattler will emerge in 2023 for South Carolina? Is it the prospect with elite arm talent who was once projected as the Heisman winner and a potential No. 1 NFL Draft pick? Or will it be the player who threw eight interceptions in South Carolina's first six games game and left Oklahoma after getting benched and beat out by Caleb Williams?

Scouts still view Rattler as having elite arm talent, and he doesn't shy away from his desire to fulfill the vision many had for him early in his career.

«I feel like none of that is off the table,» Rattler said of the high expectations. But he added his focus remains on winning and «all the personal success will come.»

When Rattler's play rose, South Carolina turned