It’s been a long time since Connor Shaw has taken a snap in an NFL regular-season game, since Dec. 28, 2014 to be exact, but he’s still optimistic about his future as a quarterback in the league. Injuries in preseason competition – a thumb injury in 2015 with Cleveland and a leg injury last season in Chicago – have sidelined the former Gamecock the last two season. Now that he’s healthy, Shaw is excited to make the most of his opportunity with the Bears.

“Been unfortunate the last couple years with injuries but sometimes that is how the game goes,” Shaw told The State’s Lou Bezjak at his annual football camp at River Bluff High School. “You just got to respond to it, and I will be ready to go this year.”

Shaw is one of four quarterbacks on Chicago’s roster. This offseason, the Bears signed free-agent Mike Glennon and brought in veteran Mark Sanchez and drafted former North Carolina QB Mitch Trubisky with the No. 2 overall pick. Chicago briefly waived Shaw, but re-signed him when Sanchez was injured.

“It is a deep room but competition brings out the best in everyone. I have always enjoyed competing so it is going to be fun,” Shaw said.

Shaw still keeps an eye on his alma mater, and had high praise for South Carolina QB Jake Bentley.

“I’m a big fan of Jake and I think he is going to be a great quarterback,” Shaw said. “I like his demeanor. He is a young guy but you never would know about it. He is composed and nothing is too big for him. I look forward to him progressing through his career.”