He began as a courtesy and a symbol.

Not in his own mind, of course. If that was the case, Richard Torres never would have achieved what he has and gotten to where he is now, which is starting at strong safety for the University of Hawaii football team.

"When I first saw him I thought he was someone’s little brother," UH defensive backs coach Rich Miano said after Saturday’s practice. "He was a 5-foot-7 quarterback, or a small DB who ran a 4.6."

What that means in footballese is "small and slow."

Torres was and is smart enough to understand this situation. But that doesn’t mean he ever considered himself a pawn.

"I knew I was a long shot to play," he says. "But I

wasn’t coming here to sit on the bench. I came to work hard to get in the game and make plays."

WHEN MIANO TALKS about what Torres has become, he doesn’t dilute praise with qualifiers. No "for a small guy." No "for a walk-on."

"He is by far the most complete player I’ve ever coached. In-season, out-of-season, game-day, game-week. It doesn’t matter. His preparation and technique."

Torres has put on 40 pounds while shaving two-tenths of a second off his 40 time. He was always smart and tough.

Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda calls him an expert at "diagnosing what the offense is doing," and has had him run meetings. "He’s a critical thinker and he’s made critical plays. He has the initiative to step up and be a leader. The guys trust him."

That trust comes from production. Torres started 14 of 15 games last year, posting 57 tackles. He contributed two fumble recoveries and two interceptions to the nation’s leading takeaway defense.

"I knew he would out-work anyone," said defensive tackle Kaniela Tuipulotu, Torres’ teammate on two Kahuku state-championship squads. "I knew if he got a shot the coaches would see it."

REGGIE TORRES WAS suspended indefinitely as Kahuku coach about two weeks ago after a disciplinary situation at preseason camp. So questions are inevitable for Richard. Questions like, "What’s going on with your dad and Kahuku?" and, "Is it a distraction?"

And, as always, he is prepared. "I have blocked it out since the start of camp. He kept me out of the loop so I can focus on (UH)."

Miano said a key to Torres’ success is immersion in the here and now.

"He blocks out all distractions. He loves and respects his father and cares about him," Miano said. "But he realizes we’re counting on him as a leader and from day one of camp he is all here."

Four years later, Richard Torres remains a symbol. Now he’s one of how dedication can beat the odds.

Reach Star-Advertiser sports columnist Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com, his "Quick Reads" blog at staradvertiser.com and twitter.com/davereardon.