Early into Connor Shaw's career at South Carolina and in the NFL, his experienced being the backup and the importance of being ready when his number was called. He had a message along those lines for Gamecocks freshman quarterback Ryan Hilinski days before the start to the 2019 season.

“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 said at a celebration of Colonial Life’s partnership with the university. “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.”

Shaw spent his freshman season in 2010 backing up veteran 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. Like Hilinski, Shaw was an early enrollee and moved up the depth chart through spring and preseason camps.

“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."

WATCH: More from Shaw on Gamecocks teams past and present | Looking ahead to Saturday vs. North Carolina

Hilinski was named the Gamecocks backup quarterback at the end of preseason camp, just before the team shifted focus to preparing for North Carolina. He beat out redshirt freshman Dakereon Joyner, a battle that started in February at the beginning of spring camp. Hilinski was the top-ranked offensive get in the 2019 signing class, a four-star pro-style quarterback form Orange, Calif. (Orange Lutheran). 247Sports Composite rankings had him as the nation’s No. 2 quarterback and No. 64 overall player. He played in the All-America Bowl days before enrolling at South Carolina in January.

As a senior in 2013, Shaw who became the winningest quarterback in school history. He posted a 27-5 career mark as a starter, including a perfect 17-0 record at home. His senior season featured a 63.4 completion percentage (180-for-284) for 2,447 yards with 24 touchdowns and just one interception. He was also second on the team in rushing with 558 yards and named one of four permanent captains. He went on to have an abbreviated pro career Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears.