SEC’s top 25 players of 2013: No. 4 Connor Shaw

SDS is continually counting down the top 25 players in the SEC for 2013, and we’re not stopping until we get to No. 1. I know you’ll agree with every single one…

No. 4 Connor Shaw, QB, South Carolina (SR)

2013 stats: 180 of 284 (63.4%), 2,447 yards, 24 TDs, 1 INT, 558 rush yards, 6 TDs

Why he’s No. 4: Over the last two seasons, Connor Shaw was continuously the most underrated player in the league, and I’m here to give him his due. What you witnessed this past year was greatness from Shaw, and outside of Johnny Manziel, there wasn’t another quarterback I would have wanted on my team.

Shaw’s TD to INT ratio was absurd, and no other passer in the country played more efficiently. Shaw did nothing flashy, but he was a winner. He finished his career undefeated at Williams-Brice Stadium, a major reason why it’s currently the longest home winning streak in the nation.

Even coming into this season, several thought Dylan Thompson should be the starter, and through all the smoke and talk, Shaw emerged as one of the best players in the country.

The 90’s Steve Spurrier may have benched Shaw earlier in his career and never gave him the opportunity to be great. Shaw’s too short; he’s too mobile to be Spurrier’s quarterback. But Shaw won Spurrier over, too.

Here’s to hoping Connor Shaw continues frustrating the hell out of opposing fans in the NFL, where he will once again not be big enough, strong enough or fast enough. But he’s a winner, because that’s all he’s ever done.

Top 25 player rankings:

Photo Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports