Fua named to CFPA watch list

PROVO, Utah — Linebacker Alani Fua has been named to the 2014 College Football Performance Awards Linebacker Trophy Watch List

The senior is one of 40 linebackers across the country to be added to the list. 

"Congratulations to Alani Fua on earning a spot on the 2014 CFPA Watch List," said CFPA Executive Director Brad Smith. "Fua has the potential to become the third CFPA winner at BYU."

Previously, Dennis Pitta earned the 2009 CFPA Elite Tight End Trophy, while Kyle Van Noy earned the 2012 CFPA Linebacker Trophy and was the 2012 CFPA National Defensive Performer of the Year.

Fua was named to the Phil Steele Preseason All-Independent First Team in June. He started nine games at outside linebacker last season while tallying 63 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks. He also tied a team high with two interceptions, including a pick against Houston with less than a minute to end its chances at a comeback.

Recipients are selected exclusively based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams. The CFPA is in its seventh season of player and team performance recognition, broken down by offense, defense, and special teams.

The other 39 players named to the watch list can be found on CFPA's website.