NORMAN — Spencer Rattler got thrown into the fire.
In the summer before his freshman year in high school, Rattler didn’t figure to be a varsity starter for Phoenix’s Pinnacle High.
The Pioneers’ starter from the previous year was returning and while Rattler was already making a name for himself, he seemed a year away from taking over the spot.
But the incumbent quit for personal reasons just weeks before the season opener.
Entering his first collegiate start Saturday, for OU against Missouri State at home (6 p.m., pay-per-view), Rattler can look back at the lessons learned, even if it was difficult.