Spencer Rattler Reveals His South Carolina Football Mount Rushmore, Sparking Nostalgia and Debate Among Gamecock Faithful Across Generations
When former South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler was asked in a recent interview to name his personal South Carolina Football “Mount Rushmore,” it was a question that triggered an outpouring of reactions across Gamecock Nation. As a former five-star recruit who transferred from Oklahoma and led the Gamecocks through a rollercoaster tenure from 2022 to 2023, Rattler has a unique vantage point. He arrived as an outsider but left as one of the more polarizing, yet ultimately respected, figures in recent Gamecock football memory. His opinion, though personal, carries weight. And his choices for the four greatest Gamecock players of all time have ignited conversations that transcend eras.
Naming a Mount Rushmore in any sport is always difficult, but when it comes to South Carolina football—a program with a deeply passionate fan base and a rich, though often underappreciated, history—the challenge is even greater. There are legends who rewrote the record books, players who carried the program during its darkest days, and modern stars who helped usher in new eras of competitiveness. Rattler’s picks reflected a blend of legacy, impact, and personal connection, and in doing so, he acknowledged the pillars that helped define South Carolina football before, during, and after his time in Columbia.
The first name Rattler listed was a no-brainer—Jadeveon Clowney. Widely considered the most physically dominant player to ever wear the garnet and black, Clowney’s name is etched into Gamecock lore with bold letters. His infamous hit on Michigan’s Vincent Smith in the 2013 Outback Bowl became a defining college football highlight of the decade. But Clowney’s legacy runs much deeper. As the top recruit in the country in 2011, his decision to sign with South Carolina elevated the program’s national credibility and signaled that the Gamecocks could go toe-to-toe with the big boys. His combination of speed, power, and explosiveness off the edge turned South Carolina into a perennial contender during the Steve Spurrier era. Rattler made it clear that Clowney’s on-field dominance and cultural impact made him an automatic inclusion.
Next on Rattler’s list was Marcus Lattimore, a name that continues to inspire reverence throughout the college football world. Lattimore may not have finished his career with gaudy numbers due to devastating knee injuries, but what he accomplished in a short span was nothing short of remarkable. As a freshman in 2010, he burst onto the national scene with one of the most physically imposing debut seasons in SEC history. His ability to run through, around, and over defenders made him the heart and soul of South Carolina’s offense. But beyond the stats, what set Lattimore apart was his character. His leadership, humility, and grace in the face of adversity turned him into more than just a great player—he became a beloved figure who embodied the spirit of perseverance. Rattler acknowledged Lattimore as the emotional engine of the greatest stretch in program history, and it’s easy to understand why he earned a spot on the Mount Rushmore.
The third selection by Rattler was Connor Shaw, the winningest quarterback in South Carolina history. Often overshadowed nationally due to his low-key demeanor and lack of Heisman hype, Shaw was the ultimate gamer. Between 2011 and 2013, he led South Carolina to three consecutive 11-win seasons—a feat unmatched in the program’s long existence. Shaw was tough as nails, unshaken in big moments, and a proven leader who won over the locker room with his work ethic and resolve. Whether it was leading a comeback at Missouri in 2013 on a bum leg or outdueling SEC powerhouses in clutch games, Shaw always delivered. Rattler, himself a quarterback, clearly recognized the intangible value Shaw brought to the team. For many fans, Shaw is the greatest signal-caller South Carolina has ever had, and his inclusion affirms that winning, consistency, and leadership are all worthy of immortalization.
Rounding out Rattler’s Mount Rushmore was a more modern nod—Deebo Samuel. A Swiss Army knife who could change a game on any play, Samuel was electric as both a receiver and returner during his time at South Carolina. Injuries derailed parts of his college career, but when healthy, there were few players more dangerous in the open field. Samuel’s explosiveness, combined with his fearless playing style, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to score from anywhere on the field—whether on screens, deep routes, or kick returns—gave the Gamecocks a constant big-play threat. His versatility later translated seamlessly to the NFL, where he became one of the most unique offensive weapons in the league. Rattler’s selection of Samuel highlighted the modern shift in football toward dynamic playmakers, and it also underscored Samuel’s lasting influence on Gamecock offensive philosophy in the post-Spurrier era.
Rattler’s list sparked immediate conversation among fans, alumni, and analysts. While many applauded the balance of old and new, others felt certain names were snubbed. One of the most common reactions was the omission of George Rogers, the only Heisman Trophy winner in program history. Rogers’ 1980 season remains the standard for individual excellence at South Carolina. He rushed for 1,781 yards that year, finishing his collegiate career with over 5,000 yards and cementing himself as a legend. To leave him off any Mount Rushmore is controversial, but Rattler explained in his interview that he wanted to emphasize players he felt shaped the modern perception of South Carolina football. Still, many fans consider Rogers the founding father of Gamecock greatness.
Another name that surfaced in the discussion was Alshon Jeffery, the dominant wide receiver who became a household name with his acrobatic catches and clutch plays during South Carolina’s rise under Spurrier. Jeffery finished his career second in school history in receiving yards and had a knack for making plays in the biggest moments. His performance against Alabama in 2010, which helped South Carolina upset the defending national champions, remains one of the most iconic in program history.
There’s also a case to be made for Melvin Ingram, the versatile defensive lineman who could play anywhere in the front seven and produced game-changing moments throughout his career. Ingram was the definition of a disrupter, and his athleticism helped form the backbone of a defense that was among the nation’s best for multiple years.
Some fans even threw out the name of Ryan Succop, the “Mr. Irrelevant” kicker who went on to have a long NFL career, as a way to recognize special teams excellence—a phase often overlooked in Mount Rushmore-type debates.
But what made Rattler’s Mount Rushmore resonate was its honesty. It reflected the perspective of a player who suited up in the garnet and black, who felt the highs and lows of SEC football, and who shared a locker room with athletes trying to leave their own legacy. His picks emphasized cultural impact, game-changing ability, and leadership more than raw statistics or awards. It was less about resume and more about what each player meant to the identity of South Carolina football.
And maybe that’s the point of a Mount Rushmore after all—it’s not just about who was best, but who mattered most. In that sense, Rattler’s list tells a story of transformation. Clowney brought the national spotlight. Lattimore gave the program its emotional heartbeat. Shaw delivered consistency and victory. Samuel redefined explosiveness in the modern era. Together, they form a legacy that continues to inspire future Gamecocks.
For Spencer Rattler, who experienced the unforgiving grind of SEC football and who now watches from afar as South Carolina continues to build, naming this Mount Rushmore was a way of honoring the foundation he became a small part of. It was a tribute to those who carried the weight of expectation, who persevered through adversity, and who showed the nation what it means to be a Gamecock.
And for the fans, it was a reminder of just how rich, dramatic, and compelling South Carolina football history truly is—even if everyone’s Mount Rushmore looks a little bit different.
