Hosted by Tyler Forness

Welcome to another episode of The Real Forno Show, where we put the spotlight on the fascinating journey of two notable quarterbacks in the world of football, Spencer Rattler and Michael Pratt.

Spencer Rattler: Defying the Odds with His Arm Talent
Our journey begins with an exploration into the career of Spencer Rattler, the South Carolina quarterback. A fifth-year senior, Rattler has an intriguing story, transitioning from a promising start at Oklahoma to a challenging path at South Carolina.

Background: Spencer Rattler

South Carolina
Transfer from Oklahoma
Height-6’1”
Weight-217 lbs
Fifth-year senior
5-Star recruit per 247 Sports
Stats: 899-of-1,325 (67.8%), 10,810 yards, 77 touchdowns, 32 interceptions, 94 carries, 1,017 yards, 16 touchdowns
Games watched: Clemson 2023, Georgia 2023, North Carolina 2023

Rattler: A Force to be Reckoned With
Rattler’s arm talent is a prominent feature of his gameplay. His ability to make every throw, drive balls into tight windows, and throw deep with accuracy sets him apart from many of his peers. Moreover, he possesses a commendable physical game, which adds another dimension to his overall capabilities.

However, Rattler isn’t just about arm talent and physical strength. He has shown potential in the running game, demonstrating the ability to seize opportunities when they present themselves. Though not a true dual-threat quarterback, his running ability is a valuable asset to his game.

Tyler’s Grades:
Arm Strength
8.7/10
Accuracy
8.2/10
Mechanics
7.3/10
Ball Placement
8.0/10
Throwing Motion
8.1/10
Progressions
6.2/10
Decision Making
6.7/10
Functional Mobility
8.2/10
Durability
8.0/10
Poise
6.1/10
Grade
75.5/100 Third Round

“Rattler is all traits and that will likely get him drafted high. Coaches always think they can fix a player. He needs a lot of work from the ground up in terms of how he processes what he sees and handles pressure. When he throws the ball under control, he’s lights out. Can he grow from being a high-variance quarterback? That remains to be seen, but someone likely takes a chance on him.” ~ Tyler Forness

The Challenges: Pocket Presence and Footwork
Despite his evident strengths, Rattler’s journey has not been without its share of challenges. His pocket presence is often deemed inconsistent, and struggles with footwork have been a recurring issue in his gameplay. There is a tendency for Rattler to rely heavily on his physical gifts, often neglecting the technical aspects of the game.

A significant concern is Rattler’s propensity to put the ball in harm’s way too often. His gameplay indicates the need for a balance between physical abilities and technical skills, a balance that seems to be skewed in his current approach.

Michael Pratt: A Rising Star from Tulane
Next, we delve into the career of Michael Pratt, a quarterback who has made a name for himself at Tulane. Known for his mechanically sound gameplay, Pratt stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work.

Background: Michael Pratt

Tulane
Height-6’3”
Weight-220 lbs
Fourth-year senior
3-Star recruit per 247 Sports
Stats: 730-of-1,209 (60.4%), 9,586 yards, 90 touchdowns, 26 interceptions, 233 carries, 1,701 yards, 28 touchdowns
Games watched: South Alabama 2023, Memphis 2023, SMU 2023

Pratt: A Display of Athleticism and Rhythm
Pratt shines in his ability to play in rhythm and his comfort on the move. His crisp, clean footwork and the accuracy it brings to his throws are remarkable. Not only does he show good ball placement, but he also has the ability to spray to all levels of the field, demonstrating a wide range of skills in his arsenal.

Pratt is also noted for his running game. His ability to take advantage of opportunities in the running game has proven to be a valuable asset. While not as aggressive as some, Pratt’s running ability is commendable and adds another layer to his gameplay.

Areas of Improvement: Arm Strength and Reading the Game
Despite his impressive gameplay, Pratt, like Rattler, has areas that need improvement. His arm strength, or lack thereof, can limit his ability to make next-level NFL throws. He also tends to get stuck on reads too often, leading to an increased risk of turnovers.

One of the more significant concerns with Pratt is his high pressure-to-sack rate. This indicates a tendency to take too many sacks, a concern that needs to be addressed for him to progress further in his career.

Tyler’s Grades:
Arm Strength
7.7/10
Accuracy
8.0/10
Mechanics
8.5/10
Ball Placement
8.4/10
Throwing Motion
8.4/10
Progressions
7.7/10
Decision Making
7.8/10
Functional Mobility
8.8/10
Durability
7.8/10
Poise
8.1/10
Grade
81.2/100 Second Round

“Pratt is a talented player but lacks the higher-end tools that are needed to be a first round quarterback. He did a really good job elevating the talent around him at Tulane and can attack the defense in multiple ways, but not being able to drive the ball outside the numbers will limit him at the next level.” ~ Tyler Forness

Wrapping Up
In conclusion, both Spencer Rattler and Michael Pratt showcase immense potential. While each has their strengths and weaknesses, the trajectory of their careers and their potential for growth make them intriguing prospects to keep an eye on. With their unique journeys and their unwavering determination, they serve as a testament to the ever-evolving world of football. Stay tuned to The Real Forno Show for more insightful discussions about the exciting world of football.

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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and the Vikings Wire @TheVikingsWire and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, on the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and Fans First Sports Network’s NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.