Kaufusi headlines Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List

PROVO, Utah – BYU football landed five players on the watch list for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Tuesday. This award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity. 

The Cougars have the most players on the list of 36 nominees, headlined by senior defensive lineman Bronson Kaufusi. He was previously named to the preseason watch lists for the Lombardi Award, the Nagurski Trophy and the Bednarik Award while being selected as an Allstate AFCA Good Works Nominee.

Junior defensive lineman Travis Tuiloma was also named to the list after being named to the watch list for the Nagurski Trophy and the Outland Trophy. Senior linebacker Manoa Pikula picks up his second 2015 preseason watch list selection after landing on the watch list for the Lombardi Award.

Junior defensive back Kai Nacua and sophomore offensive linemen Tuni Kanuch and Ului Lapuaho round out the group for BYU.

The winner of the 2015 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year will be announced on Dec. 8, 2015.  Five finalists will be unveiled on Nov. 19.  The formal presentation will be held at the Celebration Dinner during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on Jan. 29, 2016.

“There are nearly 300 players of Polynesian Ancestry in Division I college football today,” said Jesse Sapolu, Chairman and Co-Founder.  “This award showcases their incredible talents and gives us a platform to celebrate their success as student-athletes.”

The watch list candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list may be made as the 2015 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), LaVell Edwards, Ron McBride, and Dick Vermeil, past NFLPA president and inaugural inductee Kevin Mawae, ESPN sportscaster Neil Everett, NFL player personnel legend Gil Brandt and Honolulu sportscaster Robert Kekaula.