Buckner announced his choice during the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Phoenix. According to Punahou coach Kale Ane, Buckner chose Oregon over Cal and UCLA, in addition to other Pac-12 schools like Washington, Arizona and Arizona State.

"He visited Oregon and liked the atmosphere, liked the Hawai'i guys that were there," Ane said. "(Oregon coach) Chip Kelly was here maybe a week or 10 days ago and after that, it looked like (Buckner) was ready to commit."

Buckner, listed at 6 feet 7 and 230 pounds, also is a standout basketball player who was named to The Honolulu Advertiser's All-State first team in hoops as a sophomore.

On Buckner's player profile at the bowl Web site, renowned recruiting expert describes him as "a good example of a football player who is also a standout in basketball. He shows the excellent quickness, length, long arms and instincts to become a dominating DE in college. Needs to add weight and strength and concentrate solely on football but when he does, look out."

The first day high school players are allowed to sign a national letter of intent is Feb. 1.