Mariota takes the prize

Heisman Trophy finalist Marcus Mariota is the inaugural recipient of the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award.

The Oregon quarterback from Honolulu and Saint Louis School of Samoan ancestry is considered the favorite to win the Heisman when it is announced Saturday.

Polynesian College Football Hall of Fame co-founders Jesse Sapolu and Ma’a Tanuvasa made the announcement at a press conference Tuesday at the Sheraton Waikiki. The award recognizes the most outstanding Polynesian college football player who epitomizes great ability and integrity.

In a video at the press conference, Mariota thanked the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, sponsors and teammates.

"I hope this opens the door for many other Polynesian athletes," Mariota said.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound, Mariota helped lead the Ducks (12-1) to the Pac-12 championship and a berth in next month’s College Football Playoff. His 2014 campaign was a record-breaking one. He finished the season with the top quarterback rating in the nation, was responsible for 53 touchdowns (38 passing, 14 rushing, 1 receiving), had 4,452 all-purpose yards (most in the nation) and was named the Pac-12 Conference championship game’s Most Valuable Player.

Other finalists for the Polynesian player of the year award included utility player Scott Harding (Hawaii), linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha (Kahuku High and Washington), defensive end Nate Orchard (Utah) and quarterback Anu Solomon (Arizona).

"Marcus has orchestrated one of the most prolific offenses in college football this season," Sapolu said. "He truly represents the very best of our Polynesian culture."

The formal presentation of the award will be held Jan. 23, during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame enshrinement weekend.

"On behalf of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame board of directors, we congratulate Marcus on this historic accomplishment," said Tanuvasa. "He is a great role model for our youth and a source of great pride for Polynesians everywhere."

The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award was voted on by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame selection committee members, past college football head coaches Dick Tomey (chairman), LaVell Edwards and Ron McBride, ESPN "SportsCenter" anchor Neil Everett, NFL player personnel expert Gil Brandt, past National Football League Players Association president and inaugural inductee Kevin Mawae and Hawaii sportscaster Robert Kekaula.