The University of Hawaii was shut out on the Mountain West preseason all-conference football team, but four Warriors are being considered for a new individual award.
Offensive lineman Kody Afusia, running back Joey Iosefa, all-purpose player Scott Harding and defensive lineman Beau Yap are among 34 players on the watch list for the first Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award.
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame was scheduled to introduce the new honor Wednesday with a press release, including the watch list that in addition to Yap (Kamehameha) includes six other former Hawaii high school stars.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota (Saint Louis, Oregon), a Heisman Trophy candidate, headlines the watch list.
Kicker Ka‘imi Fairbairn (Punahou, UCLA), Micah Hatchie (Waialua, Washington), Jeremy Ioane (Punahou, Boise State), Hau‘oli Kikaha (Kahuku, Washington), and Brian Suite (Punahou, Utah State) are other local products also on the list.
Five finalists will be announced Nov. 20 and the winner will be announced Dec. 9. Formal presentation will be Jan. 23 at the celebration dinner of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame’s enshrinement weekend, at the Sheraton Waikiki. The hall’s second class will also be inducted that weekend.
The award will go to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player "that epitomizes great ability and integrity," according to the hall’s news release.
"The growth and success of college football players of Polynesian ancestry has been extraordinary," said Dick Tomey, chairman of the selection committee. "This award will shine a positive light on their wonderful accomplishments."
Players on the watch list are from 16 schools from five conferences, plus four from independent teams. Additions may be made to the list as the season progresses.
