Money didn’t keep QB from transferring to Arizona State football
After reports surfaced Thursday that quarterback Jayden Daniels intended to transfer from Arizona State University, the conversation quickly moved to Spencer Rattler and how the Sun Devils could have landed the transfer from Oklahoma, but didn’t pursue him when the school received word in December that Daniels was going to return to ASU.
ESPN host and SportsCenter anchor Matt Barrie, a former ASU student, tweeted out this tidbit about Rattler, a local product out of Phoenix Pinnacle High, potentially landing in Tempe.
“Rattler and his camp were asking for too much,” Barrie tweeted. “ASU passed. Find me where I gave misinformation. I believe I said: Spencer Rattler will not attend ASU? Was I wrong?”
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Rattler’s father, Michael Rattler, took issue with Barrie’s tweet, responding: “Matt you have been lying about this situation the whole time. The ASU coaching staff contacted us when they thought (Jayden) was going to declare for the draft. When (Jayden) changed his mind we advised them we were not interested. Simple as that! No need to manufacture drama!”
Reaction: Jayden Daniels transfer reaction: Arizona State football ‘a mess’ under coach Herm Edwards
Barrie had this response to Rattler’s father: “I’m not manufacturing drama. It’s an NIL era in CFB everywhere and no one faults anyone for asking for it. I know there was interest. You ended up in a great situation in Columbia. Its win for you, Spencer, and the Gamecocks.”
Look back: Spencer Rattler transfer to Arizona State football? ESPN host shoots down ASU speculation
Michael Rattler felt the need to respond with: “ASU did not offer anything and we did not ask for anything. When you imply otherwise it is being irresponsible!”
Look back: Spencer Rattler transfer to Arizona State? ASU listed as No. 1 destination for Oklahoma QB
Rattler eventually chose to go to South Carolina and now with Daniels apparently transferring, ASU doesn’t have either quarterback.
The Sun Devils do have some options to replace Daniels, including returning backup Trenton Bourguet and Alabama transfer Paul Tyson.
But will people now always wonder what would have happened had the Sun Devils been able to land Rattler?
Look back: Spencer Rattler transfer speculation: Arizona State football QB’s ‘likeliest’ landing spot
Look back: Spencer Rattler transfer: Arizona State football among best fits for Oklahoma quarterback
Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Spencer Rattler’s dad refutes ESPN host’s ASU football transfer claim