HONOLULU, Hawai`i — UTSA sophomore Josiah Tauaefa has been named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award watch list, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced on Thursday.



Tauaefa was one of 48 players selected to the watch list for the award that is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity.



A preseason All-Conference USA selection, Tauaefa had an outstanding debut season at linebacker in 2016 that saw him earn Freshman All-America, C-USA Freshman of the Year and first-team all-conference laurels. The Corinth native led the Roadrunners with a program single-season record 115 tackles last fall and he also racked up nine TFLs, six sacks, seven QB hurries and an interception. He also ranked second among Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) freshmen in tackles a year ago.



The watch list is comprised of 48 players from 30 different FBS schools. Tauaefa is the only member of the list from C-USA. For more information about the award and the complete watch list, please click



"The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award has quickly become one of the most prestigious awards in college football," Jesse Sapolu , Chairman and Co-Founder, said. "More than 500 players of Polynesian ancestry are playing Division I football today."



Five finalists will be unveiled on Nov. 30 and the winner will be announced on Dec. 14. The presentation of the award will be held at the Celebration Dinner during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on Jan. 21, 2018, in Honolulu. UTSA sophomorehas been named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award watch list, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced on Thursday.Tauaefa was one of 48 players selected to the watch list for the award that is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity.A preseason All-Conference USA selection, Tauaefa had an outstanding debut season at linebacker in 2016 that saw him earn Freshman All-America, C-USA Freshman of the Year and first-team all-conference laurels. The Corinth native led the Roadrunners with a program single-season record 115 tackles last fall and he also racked up nine TFLs, six sacks, seven QB hurries and an interception. He also ranked second among Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) freshmen in tackles a year ago.The watch list is comprised of 48 players from 30 different FBS schools. Tauaefa is the only member of the list from C-USA. For more information about the award and the complete watch list, please click here "The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award has quickly become one of the most prestigious awards in college football,", Chairman and Co-Founder, said. "More than 500 players of Polynesian ancestry are playing Division I football today."Five finalists will be unveiled on Nov. 30 and the winner will be announced on Dec. 14.



Former Oregon and current Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2014; former Notre Dame and current Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley received the award in 2015; and former Colorado and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Sefo Liufau received the award last year.



The watch list candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list may be made as the 2017-18 season progresses. The finalists and the winner will be chosen by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which includes coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, past NFLPA President and inaugural inductee Kevin Mawae, former NFL Player and Class of 2015 Inductee Ray Schoenke, ESPN sportscaster Neil Everett, NFL player personnel legend Gil Brandt, NFL Network writer and commentator Steve Wyche and Honolulu sportscaster Robert Kekaula.



About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame

The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia's greatest players, coaches and contributors. It also serves as a resource for Polynesian football history, supports cultural and educational programs, including the award of nearly $200,000 in college scholarships. Founded in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu (Chairman) and Ma'a Tanuvasa (Vice-Chairman), other board members include Troy Polamalu, Vai Sikahema, June Jones and Reno Mahe. Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center (Laie, Hawai`i).