Somewhere beneath that calm exterior, Reggie Torres is longing to be free.

After decades of coaching wrestling, judo and football in head and assistant coaching capacities, he has been relegated to a foreign assignment.

For the past two weeks, the longtime Kahuku faculty member has been banned from the football field, pending an investigation into an alleged school violation involving junior varsity players at preseason football camp. Though the school will not comment on the indefinite suspension — principal Donna Lindsey has not returned daily calls for a week — the measure is being taken with poise.

It is the only response by Torres, a consistent disciplinarian who brought back old-school values and humility when he took over in 2006. The Red Raiders won the state title that year, returned to the final in ’09, and were ranked

No. 1 last year until the Oahu Interscholastic Association ousted the team for the use of an alleged ineligible player.

It’s a topic that remains a closed book by the OIA, even though details have surfaced that raise even more questions about whether the player was ever officially ruled ineligible.

All the dark clouds haven’t put a damper on this year’s team, though. With returning All-State first-team running back Aofaga Wily, Kahuku’s young squad was voted by coaches and media to a No. 2 ranking in the Star-Advertiser Preseason Top 10.

Torres is biding his time.

“There’s not much I can do. I miss the kids. I see them on campus every day, they ask, ‘Coach, when are you coming back?’ We stress being positive,” he said.

On paper: Last year’s team was 10-0, a great balance of passing, rushing and defensive excellence. For some fans, a case could’ve been made for the Red Raiders as one of the best teams in terms of sportsmanship, as well. Six all-state first-team players — offensive linemen Jamal Napeahi, Steven Siilata and Christopher Thee, defensive tackle Dallin Muti, linebacker Ben Mamea and safety Tigi Hill — have graduated.

The same goes for all-state second-team cornerback Trayson Medeiros and third-team selections Punga Vea (WR), Nicholas Acoba (DE) and T.J. Tito (LB). Kahuku also saw quarterback Evan Moe, tight end Shairone Thompson, running backs Tyron Brown and Fonoivasa Mata‘afa graduate.

Few programs in Hawaii can sustain personnel and leadership losses to this extent, but again, this is Kahuku.

Even with only six returning starters, there are 30 returnees in all.

Wily, a durable sophomore last season, rushed for 1,175 yards (7.7 per attempt) and an OIA Red East-high 17 touchdowns.

“He still works hard. He’s still humble,” Torres said of Wily, who tweaked an ankle last weekend and may see limited action in Friday’s nonconference home game against powerhouse Waianae. The Seariders are ranked No. 3 in the Preseason Top 10.

Defensively, a stellar secondary is the cornerstone — an unusual circumstance for a group that has produced top-level linemen and linebackers year after year.

All-State first-team cornerback/safety Kawehena Johnson returns, joined by corners Evan Ramirez and Mekeli Fiso, a 6-2 leaper.

The skinny: There are new faces aplenty on both sides of the ball. Vaihi Kaonohi is the lone returning starter on the offensive line.

“We have three sophomores in the mix,” Torres said. “We’re not as fast or as strong as last year, but our guys have worked a lot this summer.”

Mastering Kahuku’s mix of smashmouth, I-formation and shotgun, four-wide sets is a big challenge.

“The bottom line is, we have to protect,” Torres said.

First-year starter Viliami Livai, son of former head coach Siuaki Livai, is ready for prime time in the pocket.

“He has a nice throwing motion. The offense is on his shoulders,” Torres said. “We’re just working on his confidence. He’s willing to learn. He’s smart and we’ve given him a lot of leniency.”

Livai was a backup last year, but Torres and his staff aren’t afraid to come out firing with the junior.

“We can throw anytime. Passing is his strength,” Torres added.

A cast of new faces are at wide receiver and tight end, but Mason-Kualii Moe and Johnson figure to see snaps on offense. Moe was one of the state’s top receivers at Kaimuki last year.

“What a player. He’s a playmaker,” Torres said.

Fiso and Bronson Beatty, an athletic 6-foot junior, figure to see action at wide receiver in addition to defensive duties. Beatty is a younger brother of former standout B.J. Beatty.

All-state honorable mention pick Benetton Fonua is a returning starter at linebacker, joined by new partners like Johnny Tapusoa.

“He reminds me of Deedee (Tafuna),” Torres said of Tapusoa. “He can blitz, cover deep in coverage. He’s a smart player with a lot of aggression.”

Up front, Kahuku has two senior returnees, a junior and sophomore pegged to start. Former UH lineman Rocky Savaiigaea is a new assistant coach working with the D-line.

X factor: From a distance, it would be easy to assume the Red Raiders are still bothered about last year’s abrupt expulsion by the OIA. But in reality, there are so many new contributors battling each day for playing time, they don’t have much time to reflect on last season. The sooner they get production at the question-mark areas — defensive line, linebacker, wide receiver, offensive line — the better for interim head coach Walter Santiago and staff.

One possible sleeper could be James Kahele, a senior running back who sat out last year.

“He’s a diamond in the rough,” Torres said. “Just a scrappy kid.”