What South Carolina's Shane Beamer had to say about Spencer Rattler's NFL opportunity

Former South Carolina football starting quarterback Spencer Rattler started his first game in the NFL on Sunday. Until desperation time late in the game forced tough situations, Rattler was very impressive for his New Orleans Saints squad.

GamecockCentral's Jack Veltri asked South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer about his former quarterback during his Tuesday press conference.

Beamer said he watched some of Rattler's starting debut live on Sunday between coaches meetings but that he wasn't surprised by his former player's success.

"I'm proud of him," said Beamer, "that he could put up some points in his first start."

All of those points Beamer referenced came in the 2nd quarter on Sunday. A pair of non-Rattler lost fumbles and a tough 4th quarter limited New Orleans, but their rookie starter led the offense to 27 points in the 2nd period.

Coach Beamer also shared that one of the Saints' vice presidents was at Tuesday's South Carolina football practice. According to the fourth-year headman, the Saints are "excited about [Spencer Rattler] and the progress he's made."

The Gamecock head coach also made sure to remind anyone listening that Rattler's next game will come against a former Gamecock tight end. "[Rattler] goes up against Nate Adkins on Thursday night, I know, as well. It's a big Thursday night showdown with the Broncos and the Saints from New Orleans. So...I'm going to have to figure out how to get—what is it?—Amazon Prime or whatever. I've got to figure out how to get that on my television because I'm a little bit more old school."

In addition to Rattler and Adkins, Thursday Night Football also will feature another pair of USC alums. Former South Carolina fullback Adam Prentice also plays for the Saints. Fellow Gamecock 2024 NFL Draft selection Nick Gargiulo has bounced between the active roster and the practice squad in Denver.

For South Carolina football fans who want to tune in to watch Spencer Rattler, Adam Prentice, and the New Orleans Saints take on Nate Adkins, Nick Gargiulo, and the Denver Broncos, Amazon Prime Video will stream the contest. 8:15 p.m. is kickoff time, but the broadcast begins at 8:00 p.m.

You can watch all of Beamer's Tuesday media availability below.