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  • McAlester senior Devin Rolan, seen here at practice Tuesday, will play for the Tulsa University Golden Hurricane next season. He’s the second McAlester Buffalo to go on to play to Division I football. KEVIN HARVISON

    Devin Rolan 1

  • McAlester running back and linebacker Devin Rolan carries the ball during a Nov. 2 game against Memorial at Hook Eales Stadium. KEVIN HARVISON

    Devin Rolan 2

  • McAlester senior Devin Rolan practices with the team on Thursday at Hook Eales Stadium. KEVIN HARVISON

    Devin Rolan 3
November 13, 2012

Devin Rolan commands the defense

By Matt Goisman Sports Writer

McALESTER — McAlester senior Devin Rolan remembers going to football games at Hook Eales Stadium as a kid. He remembers watching bright-eyed as the Buffaloes captured the city’s attention every Friday night.

A decade later, Rolan has become a Buffalo just like the ones he used to idolize. When Rolan steps on the field, he sees McAlester’s youths staring as adoringly at him as he once did at others.

“It’s pretty surreal,” Rolan said Tuesday. “That’s probably the first thing I think about every time before I play, growing up here and sitting on the sidelines.”

Like most McAlester football players, Rolan began playing competitively in the seventh grade. He always played running back on offense, but played defensive end for two years before moving to middle linebacker as a freshman.

Rolan said he much prefers linebacker to defensive end, and the transition has worked out well for both him and the team.

“I get a five-yard to hit somebody, and (defensive ends) don’t,” Rolan said. “I have to drop into pass-coverage, and they don’t.”

For more on this story, see the print or electronic editions of the McAlester News-Capital. Click here for print edition home delivery or click here to see the Smart Edition for your computer, tablet, e-reader or smartphone.

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