HONOLULU (August 15, 2024)– Four Washington State players were named to the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List, The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday.
Offensive lineman Fa'alili Fa'amoe, defensive back Jackson Lataimua, Edge Nusi Malani and offensive lineman Esa Pole were all named to the watch list for the award presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. The Watch List is composed of 96 players from 37 different FBS schools. Former Cougar defensive lineman Hercules Mata'afa won the award following the 2017 season.
Fa'amoe, a redshirt-junior who was also named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, started all 12 games at right tackle last season after being named to the 2023 Preseason Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List. Fa'amoe, of Polynesian Samoan decent and a native of Pago Pago, American Samoa switched from defensive line to offensive line prior to the 2022 season and has started 19 consecutive games, all at right tackle.
Lataimua, a redshirt-junior of Tongan decent from San Bruno, Calif., appeared in all 12 games last season including seven as a starter and recorded 32 tackles, two for loss, one forced fumble and an interception.
Malani, a senior of Tongan and Filipino decent from San Bruno, Calif., appeared in all 12 games last season including six as a starter where he made 24 tackles with four for loss, 1.5 sacks, one pass breakup and three quarterback hurries.
Pole, of Tongan decent from Hayward, Calif., was also named to the watch list prior to the 2023 season. Pole appeared in nine games, eight as the starter at left tackle, helping the Cougars to wins at Colorado State, No. 19 Wisconsin and No. 14 Oregon State.
"The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award has become one of the most prestigious awards in all of college football," said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman, Co-Founder, and Inductee. "This award means so much to our people as it showcases the tremendous impact that our Polynesian student-athletes are having on the game of football, and gives us an opportunity to share our culture with the world."
The Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list will be made as the 2024 season progresses. The finalists and winner will be chosen by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee which includes former NFL Player and Inaugural InducteeJack "The Throwin' Samoan" Thompson(Chairman), CoachesRon McBride andDick Vermeil, former NFL Player and Inaugural InducteeOlin Kreutz, Inaugural Inductee and past NFLPA presidentKevin Mawae, former NFL Player and Class of 2015 InducteeRay Schoenke, sportscasterNeil Everett, and NFL Network Chief National ReporterSteve Wyche.
Five finalists for the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on December 3 and the winner will be announced on December 17. The presentation of the Award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Celebration Dinner (January 18, 2025) at the Sheraton Waikiki, and they will also be recognized during the Polynesian Bowl (January 17, 2025).
Former University of Oregon, Washington Commanders QBMarcus Mariotawas selected as the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2014; former University of Notre Dame, Baltimore Ravens OLRonnie Stanleyin 2015; former University of Colorado QBSefo Liufauin 2016; former Washington State University, former Minnesota Vikings DEHercules Mata`afain 2017; former University of Alabama, Miami Dolphins QBTua Tagovailoain 2018 & 2019; former University of Oregon, Detroit Lions OLPenei Sewellin 2019; former University of Southern California, San Francisco 49ers SafetyTalanoa Hufanga, and former Brigham Young University, Denver Broncos QBZach Kapono Wilsonin 2020; former DL at The Ohio State UniversityHaskell Garrett in 2021; former University of Southern California,Los Angeles Chargers DLTuli Tuipulotuin 2022; and former UCLA, Indianapolis Colts DL Laiatu Latu and former University of Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa in 2023.
ABOUT THE POLYNESIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia's greatest players, coaches, and contributors. Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center and was established in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma'a Tanuvasa. Other board members include Troy Polamalu, Vai Sikahema, June Jones and Reno Mahe. There are currently 47 inductees. The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame has provided over $300,000 in college scholarships to date. For more information, go toPolynesianFootballHOF.org.
ABOUT THE POLYNESIAN BOWL
The Polynesian Bowl is a premier all-star game played annually in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi that features 100 of the nation's top-ranked high school juniors and seniors of Polynesian and non-Polynesian ancestry alike – many of whom have gone on to play in the NFL. Past MVPs include AJ Epenesa, Puka Nacua, Travis Hunter, and Nico Iamaleava. The game is broadcast live and in primetime on NFL Network. For more information, visit PolynesianBowl.com.
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