Ryan Hilinski named SEC Freshman of the Week

South Carolina Gamecocks true freshman quarterback Ryan Hilinski earned some props from the league office on Monday, collecting an SEC Freshman of the Week award despite the Gamecocks’ loss to No. 2 Alabama.

Hilinski, making just his second career start and his first against FBS competition, went 36-of-57 passing for 324 yards and two touchdowns against the Tide. His 57 attempts were second-most in South Carolina history (Steve Taneyhill, 1994) and his 36 completions were good for third-best in program history (a mark also held by Taneyhill).

Additionally, he was only the second South Carolina freshman to throw for more than 300 yards in an SEC game, joining Todd Ellis (who passed for 342 against Georgia in 1986).

While the Gamecocks didn’t get the result they’d have liked against Alabama, Hilinski’s promise is something fans can rally behind. Big congratulations to him for coming out swinging in such a tall task for his second-ever start, and I’m glad he got some recognition from the SEC for it.