Tests of faith can be pop quizzes.

For University of Hawaii quarterback Beau Reilly, it can come at age 8. His younger brother, Jett, was riding a child-sized four-wheeler when he lost control. Jett’s helmet became dislodged before he fell to the ground. Jett suffered head injuries before eventually dying. He was 6.

"He was literally my best friend," Beau Reilly said of Jett. "We played trampoline basketball every day. We were always riding bikes and stuff and playing sports. We were best friends."

Reilly said his family’s Mormon faith helped cope with the loss.

"After that, we became a really tight-knit group," he said of his siblings. "We always have each other’s backs, no matter what. I mean, physically, emotionally, financially, we’re always there for each other."

Reilly was on a church mission in Brazil in 2013 when he learned a one-pound tumor was detected inside one of infant niece Shayn’s kidney.

Shayn underwent surgery to remove the tumor. After that, a chemo port was inserted into her chest. Once a week for the next nine months, Shayn underwent chemotherapy treatments.

"She’s a fighter," Reilly said of Shayn. "She’s doing a lot better."

Reilly said Shayn is now "cancer-free." He said she only needs treatments once a year.

"Faith and family," Reilly said.

Last May, a year after Shayn’s diagnosis, her father, linebacker Trevor Reilly, was drafted by the New York Jets. It was fitting to go to a team that shared a name with his late brother.

Beau Reilly, meanwhile, accepted an offer to play for the Warriors after completing his mission. Reilly attended UH’s 2014 spring training as a spectator. He joined the Warriors the past summer.

"I’m definitely more involved this (spring) than last year," said Reilly, who is competing with Max Wittek and Ikaika Woolsey at quarterback. "Last year was more of just getting back to football, especially at the quarterback position in college. There was a lot to take in."

After Taylor Graham and Jeremy Higgins suffered season-ending injuries, Reilly was the lone backup to Woolsey.

"After having taken all the 2 reps last year and almost getting in at one point, I feel a lot less nervous, a lot more in control," Reilly said. "I can see a lot more in the defense. I can feel a lot more in the (pass) rush. It feels a lot better this year. That’s the biggest upside for me."

Wittek redshirted in 2014 after transferring from USC. Woolsey started 12 of 13 games last year. Reilly, who ended up redshirting last year, said he would like to add weight to his 6-foot-5 frame. He was 180 pounds last season. Now he is between 190 and 195.

"Being 6-5, you have to be at least 205, 210," Reilly said. "That’s what the end goal is for me this year."

Reilly said he often ate only one meal a day during his mission.

Strength/conditioning coordinator Gary Beemer said: "It’s tough when you have guys who go on missions. They’re already calorically deprived. They can’t train and all that. Then they come back and have to train at a high level and go to class. They’re burning calories, and they have to eat. It can be tricky, especially here with food so expensive."

At any weight, Reilly is poised to compete.

"When you grow up with older brothers, all Division I athletes, you can’t be a wimp around them," Reilly said. "They won’t allow it. That’s the way it is. I love the way my upbringing was. When it’s crunch time, you see a different side of me."