Punahou’s Buckner will take his talents to Oregon

He is, without question, a unique young man.

DeForest Buckner’s travels took him from the Waianae Coast to arguably the most elite private school in the state on a daily basis. Now he has orally committed to suit up for the University of Oregon football team.

Buckner, who visited Oregon last month and returned with glowing remarks, announced his decision Tuesday at the Semper Fidelis Bowl in Phoenix, Ariz., a new all-star game created by the U.S. Marines.

"From the beginning when Oregon offered me, I was excited. It has everything I like in a school," he said Wednesday night.

Buckner was offered scholarships from nine schools in the Pac-12, as well as Hawaii.

"For me, since I was young, I’ve wanted to get off the island and explore the world myself," the 6-foot-7 senior said after his December trip to Oregon. "That’s why I want to go, just be my own man."

Buckner said he has gained weight since the end of football season, when Punahou won the Interscholastic League of Honolulu and reached the state final. He is up to 250 pounds, 10 above his weight last fall.

Still, his agility is a valuable asset for Oregon, a national powerhouse.

"They talked a lot about using him as a stand-up defensive end who can rush or drop into coverage," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "He has a lot of flexibility. They’re going to use him in creative ways."

Buckner, a two-time first-team all-state pick in football, is also a two-time all-state pick in basketball. "I think the other places wanted to plant him at defensive end. Oregon sealed the deal with him when he visited," Ane said. "It’s a great school with a great program. And great swag."

The NFL is growing with hybrid athletes who are almost as big as defensive tackles, yet nimble enough to cover like linebackers and safeties.

"Each year will be different as he gets bigger and heavier," said Ane, who played offensive line for 10 seasons in the NFL.

Buckner was missed on the hardwood. While he was at the all-star football game, Punahou’s No. 1-ranked basketball team lost to No. 3 Academy of the Pacific on Tuesday.

"I was kind of bummed, but we’ll try and get ’em next time," he said.