BEREA — Connor Shaw played for his dad in high school and ran South Carolina’s offense under the ultra-demanding Steve Spurrier in college. If that won’t toughen a guy’s skin, nothing will.

Raised in a football family, Shaw knew when he was 5 years old that all he ever wanted to do was be an NFL starting quarterback.

The undrafted rookie may get his shot on Sunday.

With Johnny Manziel done for the season with a hamstring injury and Brian Hoyer still unable to throw because of a sore shoulder and biceps, Shaw will likely make his starting debut when the Browns (7-8) conclude another disappointing season this week against the Baltimore Ravens.

For Shaw, it’s a dream come true, the chance to show he belongs.

“I’m really excited about it,” he said. “It’s been a long season.”

And a long journey for the former Gamecocks star, who went 27-5 as a starter in the SEC, but then was invited for just one visit to an NFL team before May’s draft. He wasn’t selected, but signed in May.

During training camp, he was an outsider in the quarterback battle between Hoyer and Manziel. But the 6-1, 210-pound Shaw showed enough during the preseason — he went 8 of 9 for 123 yards and a touchdown against Washington — that the Browns decided to keep him on their practice squad. He was around in case of emergency — and he’s needed.

Shaw doesn’t have much time to get ready for the Ravens, who can still earn a playoff spot with a win and loss or tie by San Diego, or with a tie and a San Diego loss. But Browns coach Mike Pettine believes the 23-year-old Shaw, who threw 23 touchdown passes and just one interception as a senior, will produce even on short notice.

“You just look at him and does he pass the eye-ball test? No,” Pettine added. “He doesn’t have the strongest arm and he’s not the fastest. He’s not the biggest but he just found a way. He’s just got something about him.”

That’s always been the case for Shaw, who likened his college game to Manziel’s. He’s mobile and can run for a first down when needed, but don’t expect him to flash any “money” signs if he scores.

“I’m a tough, gritty guy,” he replied when asked to describe his playing style. “I feel like I’m smart with the ball. We’ll see. I haven’t had a whole lot of reps in the NFL, especially live reps so we’ll see how it plays out if I suit up.”

Shaw got his first snaps with Cleveland’s offense Tuesday and by all accounts showed he’s spent the past few months studying. He wasn’t out of place in the huddle or behind center.

Although he was out of sight for much of the season, Shaw worked hard. He was behind Hoyer and Manziel on the depth chart but alongside on the ride.

It’s been quite a year for Shaw, who married his high school sweetheart, Molly. They recently welcomed a baby girl, Mila.

And now, his career might take a step forward, too.

“Hopefully we can cap it off with a win,” he added.

Browns-Ravens Capsule

CLEVELAND (7-8) at BALTIMORE (9-6)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

OPENING LINE — Ravens by 9

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Cleveland 8-7-1, Baltimore 8-8

SERIES RECORD — Ravens lead 23-8

LAST MEETING — Ravens beat Browns 23-21, Sept. 21, 2014

LAST WEEK — Browns lost to Panthers 17-13, Ravens lost to Texans 25-13

AP PRO32 RANKING — Browns No. 23, Ravens No. 12

BROWNS OFFENSE — OVERALL (21), RUSH (17), PASS (21).

BROWNS DEFENSE — OVERALL (23), RUSH (32), PASS (7).

RAVENS OFFENSE — OVERALL (11), RUSH (7), PASS (14).

RAVENS DEFENSE — OVERALL (9), RUSH (4), PASS (28).





STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Ravens 12-1 against Browns under coach John Harbaugh. … Baltimore QB Joe Flacco has won 12 of 13 vs Browns, throwing 16 TDs and only seven INTs. … Pettine began NFL coaching career in Baltimore as coaching and video assistant in 2002. … Paul Kruger has career-high 10 sacks for Cleveland. He led Ravens in sacks in 2012 with nine. … In first meeting between teams this year, Justin Tucker’s 32-yard field goal on final play won it for Baltimore. … Browns have lost four straight. … Browns have NFL-leading 21 INTs, at least one in each of past 11 games. They have forced 24 turnovers in past 10 games, most in NFL during that span. …. Rookie RB Isaiah Crowell has eight of Cleveland’s 16 rushing TDs. … S Donte Whitner leads Cleveland with 100 tackles. … Ravens RB Justin Forsett leads NFL with 5.3 yards per carry average. … Ravens WR Steve Smith has 13,172 yards receiving and needs 27 to surpass Andre Reed for 14th on career list. … Baltimore WR Torrey Smith has 10 TDs in past 12 games after being blanked in first three games of season. … Ravens LB C.J. Mosley leads NFL rookies with 122 tackles. … Baltimore has won 10 of its past 12 at home against AFC North.

… Ravens need 10 points to break single-season franchise record of 398.