South Carolina great Connor Shaw named SEC Legend

South Carolina football fans already knew he was a legend, but now it’s official. According to a Wednesday announcement from the Southeastern Conference, Gamecock great Connor Shaw will be honored as an SEC Legend.

Shaw, who played at South Carolina from 2010-2013, is widely considered the greatest Gamecock quarterback of all time.

Joining Shaw as SEC Legends are Alabama linebacker CJ Mosley (2010-2013), Arkansas defensive back Kenoy Kennedy (1996-1999), Auburn quarterback Cam Newton (2010), Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes (2006-2009), Georgia offensive lineman Randy Johnson (1973-1975), Kentucky tight end Jacob Tamme (2004-2007), LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (2010-2011), Ole Miss punter Bill Smith (1983-1986), Mississippi State offensive lineman Gabe Jackson (2009-2013), Missouri offensive lineman Mitch Morse (2010-2014), Oklahoma defensive lineman Lucious Selmon (1970-1973), Tennessee linebacker Kevin Burnett (2000-2004), Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson (2001-2004), Texas A&M defensive coordinator and head coach RC Slocum (1982-2002), and Vanderbilt receiver Jordan Matthews (2010-2013).

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During his career in garnet and black, Shaw posted a 27-5 career record as the starting quarterback. That win total is a program record, as is his perfect 17-0 mark inside Williams-Brice Stadium.

No one in Gamecock history has been responsible for more total touchdowns than Shaw. He threw for 56 scores, ran for 17, and caught one. Shaw is USC’s all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks with 1683 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also holds the school record for consecutive completions, having converted on 20 straight passes against Missouri in 2012.

Against the same Mizzou team in 2013, Shaw gave South Carolina fans one of the greatest efforts in program history. Despite being initially unavailable for the game with a torn ligament in his knee, a balky shoulder, and the flu, Shaw entered the game in the second half with his team trailing 17-0 to the No. 5 team in the country. He guided the Gamecocks to an improbable come-from-behind win, posting a 20-for-29 passing day with 201 yards and three touchdowns in less than a half of football. “The Miracle in Missouri” was the defining moment for one of the toughest players ever to don the Block C on his helmet.

South Carolina was 4-0 against the rival Clemson Tigers with Shaw on the roster. That included 2-0 with Shaw healthy and starting. He also led the Gamecocks to three 11-2 seasons in a row.

No. 14’s final game was a Capital One Bowl victory over Wisconsin in which he accounted for 368 total yards and five touchdowns. He threw for three scores, ran for another, and even caught a touchdown in the win.

Following a short stint in the NFL, Shaw worked in multiple roles at Carolina, as well.

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