SWAC spring football outlook

BIRMINGHAM, Louisiana -- The SWAC has been filled with the haves and the have-nots in recent seasons, and the powers look to be in control again in 2017.

Alcorn State has represented the East Division in the last three SWAC championship games and captured two overall titles. Grambling State won the conference crown last season in its second straight appearance in the championship game, while Southern was the West representative in the prior two title games, winning one.

All three teams return their starting quarterback and other key veterans from successful teams. So while optimism reigns in the spring across the rest of the conference, will it be there in late fall?

Following is a look across the SWAC with spring practices underway in college football:

EAST DIVISION

ALABAMA STATE

Head Coach: Brian Jenkins (10-12, two seasons; 56-26 overall)

2016 Records: 4-7, 3-6 SWAC

Spring Practices: April 1-29

What to Know: The hiring of Jenkins has yet to pay off considering the Hornets won at least seven games in each of the five seasons prior to his arrival. The Hornets hope the third year in his system will pay off. Like rival Alabama A&M, the Hornets return seven starters on offense and eight on defense, but their five All-SWAC selections were seniors last season, so the losses are significant. The Hornets are starting anew where offensive plays begin, replacing their starting center, quarterback and running back. They play four of their first five games at home.

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