Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Finalists Announced
At a glance:
- Five Finalists have been selected from a Watch List comprised of nearly 40 players.
- The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year will be announced on December 8, 2015.
- The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on January 29 & 30, 2016 in Oahu, Hawai’i.
Honolulu, HI (November 19, 2015) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today five Finalists for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity. Former University of Oregon, and current Tennessee Titans Quarterback, Marcus Mariota was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2014.
The five finalists include DL Deforest Buckner (University of Oregon), LB Su’a Cravens (University of Southern California), K Ka’imi Fairbairn, WR Juju Smith-Schuster (University of Southern California), and Ronnie Stanley (University of Notre Dame).
The Finalists were 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.
“The Polynesian College Player of the Year Award showcases the immense talent of our Polynesian student-athletes in college football today,” said Jesse Sapolu, Chairman and Co-Founder. “Each finalist has had an incredible season and we are excited to celebrate their success.”
The winner of the 2015 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on December 8. The formal presentation of the award will be held at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on January 29, 2016.
“On behalf of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Board of Directors, we congratulate the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Finalists,” said Ma’a Tanuvasa, Vice-Chairman and Co-Founder. “These student-athletes represent the very best of Polynesia.”
2015 Finalists
DEFOREST BUCKNER (University of Oregon)
Defensive Lineman … Senior … Samoan Ancestry … 61 tackles on the year (42 solo) … Leads the Pac-12 Conference in total sacks (7.5) … 13 tackles for loss … Five passes broken up … Candidate for the Bednarik Award, Hendricks Award, Nagurski Trophy and the Lombardi Award … Born March 17, 1992 in Waianae, Hawai`i.
SU’A CRAVENS (University of Southern California)
Outside Linebacker … Junior … Samoan Ancestry … 66 tackles on the year (41 solo) … 5.5 sacks … 12 tackles for loss … Two forced fumbles … Two Interceptions … Candidate for the Bednarik Award, Hendricks Award, Nagurski Trophy and the Lombardi Award … Born July 7, 1995 in Los Angeles, California.
KA’IMI FAIRBAIRN (University of California Los Angeles)
Place Kicker … Senior … Hawaiian Ancestry … Made 19 of 20 field goals on the year (95%) … Made 39 of 39 extra point attempts on the year (100%) … Set Pac-12 Conference career scoring record this season … Made a 60-yard field goal which is the longest in UCLA history and second longest in Pac-12 Conference history … Named Lou Groza Award Semifinalist … Born January 29, 1994 in Kailua, Hawai`i.
JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER (University of Southern California)
Wide Receiver … Sophomore … Samoan Ancestry … 63 catches for 1,160 yards on the year … 10 touchdowns on the year … Leads the Pac-12 Conference and ranks 6th in the Nation in total receiving yards … Ranks 9th in the Nation in touchdown receptions … Candidate for the Biletnikoff Award and Maxwell Award … Born November 22, 1996 in Long Beach, California.
RONNIE STANLEY (University of Notre Dame)
Offensive Lineman … Senior … Tongan Ancestry … Started all 10 games for Notre Dame on the year … Notre Dame has gained 2,156 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns on the year … Candidate for the Outland Trophy … Born March 18, 1994 in Las Vegas, NV