The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday the establishment of the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award and released its watch list, featuring four BYU players.
Linebackers Bronson Kafusi and Alani Fua, and offensive linemen Solomone Kafu and Edward Fusi were named to the list.
The award will be given annually to the “most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity,” according to the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame website.
Kafusi enters his junior year making the transition from the defensive line to linebacker. He started all 13 games in 2013, recording 37 tackles, four sacks and one interception for a touchdown.
Fua comes into his senior year already named to numerous watch lists, including the CFPA Linebacker, Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Award. Fua played in all 13 games in 2013, recording 63 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.
Fusi and Kafu enter their senior seasons having played in all 13 games last year, playing essential roles in a rushing core that ranked 10 nationally last season.
“The Polynesia influence and prestige in football is at an all-time high and rapidly expanding,” said Jesse Sapolu, co-founder and chairman of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. “This award was established to showcase the immense talent of our Polynesian student athletes in college football today.”
BYU ties Hawaii for the second most players on the list. Washington tops the list with six.
