Around the Dog Park: UAB wants to be America’s team in 2017

General G5 Football

• This is a neat story on a re-designed helmet that could reduce concussions significantly.

American

• Scary news out of Tampa as South Florida defensive back Hassan Childs was shot multiple times this past weekend.
• Former four-star receiver and LSU transfer Trey Quinn could have a breakout season at SMU.
• Passing defense was a major concern at East Carolina last year. This year the Pirates hope a few transfers and less injuries translate to a stronger secondary.
• As expected, Tulsa’s offense was impressive in the first scrimmage of spring football.
• We took a look at which programs in the AAC East are setting themselves up for future success.

Conference USA

• In a Q&A Bill Clark reveals what the vibe is like around UAB these days and that he wants UAB to be a national team this season.
• Some burning questions about Southern Miss after the first week of spring practice.
• Practice notes and observations from spring practice at North Texas.
• With Aaron Jones gone UTEP needs a running back to emerge. Quadraiz Wadley rose to the occasion in the first spring scrimmage in El Paso.
• Mike Sanford had a lively first spring practice.
• Some interviews UTSA’s Jordan Moore and Rowan Josh Popper on preparing for the NFL Draft.
• ICYMI we evaluated C-USA East and C-USA West to determine who’s set up for future success.

Sun Belt

• Turner Field is beginning to look more like Georgia State’s new football stadium with each passing day.
• Southern has announced kickoff times for 2017.