UH’s Paredes can see the finish line

It is not quite a Darth Vader-is-my-father revelation, but Hawaii linebacker Corey Paredes has ties to Brigham Young, the Warriors’ upcoming football opponent.

As a Castle High student, Paredes took an on-line geometry course. BYU sponsored the class.

"No, I’m not a Cougar," Paredes said, laughing. "I’m a Warrior."

Paredes is a fifth-year senior entering the final regular-season game of his UH career. The Warriors need to beat BYU to qualify for the Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl.

"All of the older guys used to tell you to take advantage because your time will go by quickly," Paredes said. "You put in two years, and you think that’s taking long, and you still have three years left. Then it’s two years left. And then, in a blink of an eye, it’s almost over."

Wednesday night, Paredes leafed through photo albums. There were pictures of Paredes and his first girlfriend, Elizabeth. She was the high school sweetheart who became his wife and then the mother of their child.

"It was funny how young we were," Paredes said. "My face was all skinny and my neck was all boney."

Paredes joined the Warriors as a walk-on with no promises of a scholarship. For the first two years, he lived on ramen, income from side jobs and his family’s generosity.

"Nothing was really handed to me," Paredes said. "I was taught you have to work hard for whatever you get. And whatever you get, you have to be grateful for it."

In 2009, he was awarded a scholarship. Next month, he is set to earn a bachelor’s degree.

"I’m stoked," he said. "I’m happy where I’m at."

Regular-season practice done

Thursday, the Warriors conducted their final practice of the regular season.

They have a walk-through session scheduled for this afternoon. They play BYU tomorrow afternoon. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m.

"We’ve had good, spirited practices this week," head coach Greg McMackin said. "We’re ready to roll."

Quarterback David Graves worked with the first-team offense and is set to make his second consecutive start.

"I feel more prepared than ever," Graves said.

Defensive tackle Haku Correa, who has missed nine games after suffering an ankle injury, will not play against BYU. He had hoped to return two weeks ago, but has to yet participate in a full practice.

After Thursday’s practice, the Warriors staged a dance competition. According to the coaches, wideout Cecil Doe was declared the winner.