One of the best things about this time of year for those schools participating in bowl games are the 15 practices the NCAA allows. Not only does it allow schools the time to prep for their upcoming game, but it also allows them the opportunity, especially with school out, to give reps to those redshirt freshmen or walk-ons that spend the entire season on the scout teams.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney designates the last 20 minutes or so of each bowl practice to these groups, which he calls junior varsity practice. This gives guys like quarterback Zerrick Cooper, linebacker Shaq Smith, defensive end Lasamuel Davis, safety Isaiah Simmons and tight end J.