Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List

HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i offensive lineman Asotui Eli and linebacker Jahlani Tavai were among a group of 38 players selected to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity. 
 
The two Rainbow Warriors were also two of six Mountain West players represented. Earlier this year, Eli, a redshirt sophomore from Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i, was named to the watch list of the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation's top center.
 
Eli made 12 starts – 11 at center and one at right guard – during his redshirt freshman campaign in 2015. The Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i native missed only the Louisiana-Monroe game due to injury and was one of two freshman offensive linemen in the Mountain West to start 12 games. He ranked third-best on the team with an 82 percent grade and participated in 96 percent of offensive snaps in games he played.
 
Tavai, a redshirt sophomore from Redondo Beach, Calif., appeared in all 13 games in 2015, starting 11 contests at outside linebacker. He ranked seventh on the team with 56 total tackles (26 solo, 30 assisted), including a fourth-best 5.0 for loss and second-best 3.0 sacks.
 
The winner of the 2016 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on December 7, 2016.  Five finalists will be unveiled on November 17.  The formal presentation of the award will be held at the Celebration Dinner during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on January 20, 2017.