Red Raider alumnus headed for Nebraska

Kauai High School graduate and former offensive lineman Devan Ferreira will miss the beaches, warm weather and food of the island, but looks forward to showing his ability on the gridiron at the college level.

Ferreira will move to Nebraska to attend class and play football for NAIA school Peru State College.

“I’m looking forward to suiting up again and furthering my football career,” he said. “I’m going to bring the work ethic. Never give up and stuff. Keep working like how we do everyday.”

Kauai’s offensive line was crucial to the team’s success this past year in which it won the KIF championship and was runner-up at the Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division II football state tournament.

Red Raiders varsity football head coach Tommy John Cox said Ferreira was an encouraging leader with a good attitude.

“He was a pleasure to coach,” Cox said. “He never put anybody down. He was always positive and leads by example … We’re going to miss his leadership. I think he was able to rub some of that off on the guys this year. Just from them playing with him last year, I’m sure they learned a lot.”

Ferreira will be joined by Kauai teammate James Bukoski at Peru State. Ferreira added coach Cox helped both of them make the roster at the NAIA school.

“He helped a lot with the recommendations and applications and putting a good word for me and James,” he said. “I think it’s going to be good for both of us, just helping each other out.”

Bukoski, who played linebacker at Kauai High, said he’s glad he won’t be the only one from the island making the trek to Nebraska. He added both of them will fly over in August and will be roommates.

“At least I’m not going to be the only Hawaii boy on the team suffering in the cold. He’s going to be there suffering there with me,” he said about playing together at the school. “I’m sure he’s going to be a big help (in the offensive line) because he’s huge.”