After capping his college days with one of the best performances of his career in a 34-24 Capital One Bowl win over Wisconsin, it's not as though South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw, the game's MVP, needed any validation.
But he got it anyway.
This was the exchange between Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier and Shaw at the postgame news conference, according to postandcourier.com:
"(Shaw) is going to the Combine ... Did you know that?" Spurrier asked.
"No," Shaw said.
"They told me not to tell you until after the game," Spurrier answered.
Shaw (6-foot-1, 209 pounds) couldn't have done much more to distinguish himself at South Carolina, having compiled a 27-5 record as a starter. Against the Badgers, he completed 22 of 25 passes for 312 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He ran for 47 yards a score, and even caught a touchdown pass on a trick play.
Questions about Shaw's pro potential will include arm strength, and his ability to stay healthy. A fearless runner who has never been afraid to lower his shoulder to pick up a first down, Shaw's college career was also predictably dotted with assorted minor injuries.
But he's as tough as a six-dollar steak.
"Love his poise, decision making and leadership, (but he's) not going to impress with size/arm strength," said NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah. "I think he'll have a long career as a backup quarterback, and he could help you win a game if the starter went down."
Shaw, for one, is hopeful that a new era of NFL quarterbacks will help his pro cause.
"Guys like (Seattle's) Russell Wilson, they give me hope," Shaw said. "Shorter guys that can move around in the pocket."
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread*.