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UNC Coach Tries New Strategy In Effort To Reduce Concussions

GREELEY, Colo. (CBS4) - The University of Northern Colorado in Greeley is doing more than just talking when it comes to trying to reduce head injuries among their football players.

Earnest Collins Jr., the Bears head football coach, has put most of his players in Guardian Caps during practice.

UNC Bears
University of Northern Colorado Bears (credit: CBS)

The caps are pads that attach to the outside of the helmet and reduce impact up to 33 percent.

"The year before we literally had probably almost double-digit concussions. And part of it was us doing it wrong, tackling wrong, hand placement wrong," Collins said. "But the other part of it was we just felt that we needed protection from that helmet-to-helmet contact that you're going to get in our game."

The receivers, defensive back and quarterbacks are the only players who aren't wearing the caps during practice.

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