DALLAS MORNING NEWS :: Texas, A&M, Houston among schools taking steps to improve player safety with new practice helmets

“They’re going to go for the ball, like dogs to meat,” Applewhite said. That competition, even at half-speed, might cause heads to collide and puts players at risk for concussions. Houston, along with in-state schools including Texas, Texas A&M, and TCU, have all purchased soft-shell headgear to protect players. Houston and Texas could be among the teams wearing the equipment this preseason. This year, the NCAA eliminated two-a-day practices but allowed teams to use a ball during a walkthrough.