Ex-Warrior Correia inivited to 49ers' camp

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Former University of Hawai'i football player Joe Correia has been invited to compete in the San Francisco 49ers' camp for rookies and free agents.

"I'm happy I'm getting a shot," Correia said. "I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I'll give it all I can."

Correia, who is 6 feet 2 and 245 pounds, was told he he will be used at strong-side linebacker in the 49ers' base defense and pass-rusher in nickel schemes.

The 49ers expressed interest in the former quarterback at St. Louis School after watching him participate in a pro combine this month in Santa Monica, Calif. At the combine, Correia bench pressed 225 pounds 32 times and ran 40 yards in an electronically timed 4.81 seconds. Correia's maximum bench press is 455 pounds.

HIs workout in the combine, which was arranged by former UH wide receiver Ashley Lelie, led to the 49ers' invitation.

If Correia does well in the camp, he will be offered a contract. "I don't care about the money," he said. "I just want to play. This is my dream."

In fact, he soon will fulfill another dream. Next month, he will earn a bachelor's degree in sociology.

"That's why I went to college," he said.