Players who earned more playing time in 2015 with bowl performance

Given the nature of many bowl games, teams are often more inclined to play younger players and give them more opportunities in the team’s final game.

Because of this, fans are often introduced to players that could make an impact for the next season via more playing time.

Here are the SEC players who earned more PT in 2015 with their impressive bowl performance.

Adam Lane, RB, Florida

Bowl stats: 16 carries, 109 yards, 1 TD

The skinny: Out of anyone, redshirt freshman running back Adam Lane may have made the biggest impression for next year. Coming into the bowl game, he had only received eight carries all season. But with an interim head coach, Lane got a significant amount of playing time in the Birmingham Bowl and didn’t disappoint. He finished with 16 carries, 109 yards and one touchdown and was named the game’s MVP. For an offense looking for playmakers, new head coach Jim McElwain sure got a strong first impression.

Kyle Allen, QB, Texas A&M

Bowl stats: 22-for-35, 294 yards, 4 TD

The skinny: Yes, Kyle Allen had been Texas A&M’s starting QB for the four games prior to the bowl game, but to say he had the starting position locked up for 2015 may have been a bit premature. However, Allen very well may have given himself the starting job with his bowl performance. The true freshman looked impressive in Texas A&M’s bowl win, throwing for 294 yards and four touchdowns. He appears to have all the skills necessary to lead the Aggies’ explosive offense in 2015.

Ricardo Louis, WR, Auburn

Bowl stats: 1 reception, 66 yards, 1 TD; 3 carries, 41 yards

The skinny: Louis may have been poised for more playing time anyway in 2015 because of his experience as well as the departure of Sammie Coates to the NFL. However, Louis proved in the bowl game that he’s got that ability to make some big plays in the future for the Tigers and Gus Malzahn’s offense and he might have a bigger role in 2015 than many may have expected originally.

Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia

Bowl stats: 8 tackles, 1.0 sack

The skinny: Carter had already impressed prior to the bowl game, but with the return of both Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins, his PT may have suffered some. However, the true freshman continued to dominate has he had done several times toward the end of the season as he recorded eight tackles and one sack against Louisville. Carter is an incredible talent off the edge and should solidify a significant role in the UGA defense for 2015.

Drew Laing

Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.