Fall Camp: Day 6 Wrap-Ups

Jason Kaneshiro writes about the scholarships that were awarded to Richard Torres and Corey Paredes after yesterday's morning practice.

Paredes, a Castle graduate, shuffled between running back and linebacker as a redshirt freshman. He worked his way into the first unit at outside linebacker during spring practice and has maintained that spot so far in fall camp.

"He's fast. He's going to play a lot of football both on defense and special teams," McMackin said. "And he's a good student and so is Richard, which is important in our deal. Those are the two things we want, good students and guys that win football games."

At 5-foot-7 and 170 pounds, coaches have raved about Torres' mastery of technique since he joined the program, and he's added muscle and speed in the offseason.

He broke the 300-pound mark on his bench press and was timed at 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash after spring practice.

Wow! Congrats to Corey and Richard.

Stephen Tsai has news and notes about the two scholarships, tackling drills for the kickers, and Michael Wadsworth excelling in practice.

Wadsworth is a blocker on punt and kickoff returns. He is the gunner on punt and kick coverages. He also is capable of blocking kicks. And he is the backup punter.

"He has excellent speed," McMackin said. "He's a good player."

McMackin and Tormey have praised Wadsworth's intense play. "I try to change my mindset when I'm on the field," Wadsworth said. "I'm more physical."

In his Further Review column, Dave Reardon has notes about Jake Heun and the o-line.

» Jake Heun looks like one of those big, strong and nasty old-school linebackers. It's such a deep position for the Warriors, but I hope he gets a chance to contribute, at least in short-yardage situations. He definitely looks like he can plug a hole and flatten a running back.

» Ten years ago, UH made the biggest turnaround in college football history in the won-loss columns. This year, the Warriors hope for the biggest turnaround in college football history by an offensive line.

And Ferd Lewis writes that coach Chris Tormey's impact could be special.

And, boy, did McMackin have a job for his former protege. UH was 119th — and dead last — in the nation in punt returns last season at two yards per attempt. The Warriors suffered twice as many blocked kicks as they forced and were at the bottom of the WAC in field-goal percentage.

Tormey comes to the tasks at hand with relish, not resignation. He is a true special teams believer, someone who has preached and practiced them as game breakers, not as a yawning necessary evil. He comes by this devotion from years under Don James and Dennis Erickson. Even as a head coach himself, Tormey personally commanded punt units.

"I think you don't always choose your role," Tormey said. "It is your responsibility in life to play your role to the best of your ability. And I'm happy with this role. I'm excited to be here. Big time is where you are."