One-time South Carolina backup Connor Shaw shares advice for Ryan Hilinski
By Keith Farner
Published:
If there’s anyone who could relate to what Ryan Hilinski is feeling these days, it’s Connor Shaw.
The decorated former South Carolina quarterback was at one point a backup, the same position Hilinski finds himself in to start the season.
Like Hilinski to Jake Bentley, Shaw spent his freshman season in 2010 as a backup to Stephen Garcia. He played in nine games, completed 69.7 percent of his passes for 223 yards and was the team’s fourth-leading rusher with 165 yards on 32 carries. Both were early enrollees who played well in the spring and preseason.
Shaw became the winningest quarterback in school history, with a 27-5 career mark as a starter, including a 17-0 record at home.
“It’s the game of football. Injuries happen. You have to stay ready. I think that’s one of the things I learned so much in the NFL, how up and down a roster can be,” Shaw told The Big Spur. “Obviously you’d like Jake (Bentley) to stay healthy, but take mental reps during practice, make sure you stay in it and stay competitive during the game, make sure you’re right beside the play caller, make sure you are mentally sharp and when your number is called that you are ready to go.”
If Hilinski plays at all as a freshman, like Shaw did, it’ll help him down the line.
“Especially with him being a freshman, to step in that spotlight, I played a good bit as a freshman,” Shaw said. “My first real experience was at Auburn when they won the national championship later in that season. It will be a good test for Ryan, but also be a great experience for him to build on after he plays and has some experience. He’s a sharp kid. I’m a fan of him.”
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
