Any doubts about Richard Torres’ future as a football coach were answered when he was 5.

His father, Reggie Torres, recalled: "I would lead drills (as Kahuku High’s junior-varsity coach), and he would be there watching. I woke up one morning, and he’s in the neighbor’s yard, setting up cones so the neighbor’s kids can do drills. From when he was a young boy, I knew he would be a coach."

Richard Torres has rejoined the University of Hawaii football team as a graduate-assistant coach. He was a UH defensive back until completing his NCAA eligibility at the end of the 2011 season.

"I’m fortunate to still be part of the game," Torres said.

Torres will assist Daronte’ Jones, who is in charge of the defensive secondary.

"I’m excited for that," Torres said. "It’s a good staff. They have a good philosophy."

Torres also served as water boy for Kahuku’s JV team.

"It was a blessing to be around my dad’s football team," he said. "I learned from them. I watched them compete. It was fun to be part of the whole culture."

He first competed in football in a flag-football league for fourth-graders and younger. He was in the first grade.

Torres was a standout athlete at Kahuku, competing in football, wrestling and judo.

He joined the Warriors as a 145-pound walk-on in January 2008. Torres broke into the rotation that year and, a year after that, was awarded a scholarship. By his senior season, he was 185 pounds, a co-captain and the leader of the secondary.

Torres had a brief stay with the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League in 2012. This year, he participated in two Canadian Football League tryouts. He recently decided to give up the chase.

"I’m in a place right now where I’m OK with not playing anymore," Torres said. "I did everything I could on my part. I worked my hardest. I left the rest up that wasn’t in my hands. I’m OK with that."

Torres received several GA offers. He opted to return to the Manoa campus.