As a star of Netflix’s “QB1: Beyond the Lights,” Rattler’s maturity was called into question, leaving many to believe he had an attitude problem. Now, it’s important to note he was a high schooler receiving a level of attention few at that age receive. But it wasn’t a one-off event.
His decision-making was an issue at Oklahoma, resulting in boos and “we want Williams” chants from his own fanbase and, ultimately, his benching in favor of this year’s presumed No. 1 pick.
During the Texas game and the following outing against TCU, Rattler’s body language made his feelings clear — not something you want from a future franchise QB.
But since he’s been out of Norman, all Rattler has done is prove he can be a leader of men. He talked down frustrated players on the field and sidelines, bounced back after making mistakes, and showed tremendous self-awareness.
Rattler explained what he would tell his 17-year-old self on NFL Live: “I would definitely tell a 17-year-old me to stay as humble as you possibly can. When you have a lot of success at a young age — I’ve been through it — you think you’re hot stuff. And then you realize you got to restart in college.”
Then, when asked what it means to be a quarterback at the Combine, Rattler answered, “Obviously, you got to be the best leader … be natural at it. Understand you are going to fail. But you got to bounce back and keep going. You got to keep taking shots and getting up and having great body language to show that you keep fighting for your team.”
KEEP READING: 2024 SEC Power Rankings
Will Rattler hear his name called within the first two days of April’s draft? It would’ve been a definitive yes if you asked that question two years ago. Last year, a definitive no. Now? Time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Rattler’s far outgrown the teenager most remember him as.
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