HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i junior linebacker Jahlani Tavai is among five finalists for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award announced by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity.
 
The other finalists are Oregon State linebacker Manase Hungalu, Washington State defensive lineman Hercules Mataafa, Virginia Tech linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka, and Washington defensive lineman Vita Vea.
 
The finalists were chosen by a selection committee which includes Coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, past NFLPA President and Inaugural Inductee Kevin Mawae, former NFL Player and Class of 2015 Inductee Ray Schoenke, ESPN Sportscaster Neil Everett, NFL player personnel legend Gil Brandt, NFL Network writer and commentator Steve Wyche, and Honolulu Sportscaster Robert Kekaula.
 
Tavai, a junior from Inglewood, Calif., is of Samoan ancestry. He started all 12 games at middle linebacker this season and ranks 11^th nationally with 124 tackles (66). A second-team all-Mountain West selection, he is among the MW leaders in tackles for loss (11) and sacks (5.5) while also accumulating one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
 
He was selected to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award watch list for the past two seasons and this year, made the preseason watch list for the Bednarik Award and Nagurski Award.
 
The winner of the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on December 12. The formal presentation of the Award will be held at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner (January 19, 2018) along with being recognized during the Polynesian Bowl (January 20, 2018).
 
Other Finalists
Manase Hungalu (Oregon State)
Linebacker … Senior … Tongan Ancestry … Started 12 games … 97 tackles (57 solo) … six tackles for loss … 2.5 sacks … two interceptions … four passes broken up … Named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week in Week 10 after recording a team-best 20 tackles in the game against California … Born in Kailua Kona, Hawai'i.
 
Hercules Mata'afa (Washington State)
Defensive Lineman … Junior … Samoan Ancestry … Started 12 games … 43 tackles (30 solo) … 21.5 tackles for loss … 9.5 sacks … two forced fumbles … one fumble recovery … Named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week in Week 12 after setting career-highs with five tackles-for-loss, three sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in the game against Utah … Bednarik Award Semifinalist … Walter Camp Award Semifinalist … ESPN, USA Today, & AP Mid-Season All-American … Born in Lahaina, Maui.
 
Andrew Motuapuaka (Virginia Tech)
Linebacker … Senior… Tongan Ancestry … Started 12 games … 82 tackles (40 solo) … 10.5 tackles for loss … 3.5 sacks … one interception … one forced fumble … one fumble recovery … four passes broken up … Named ACC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 1 after recording 12 tackles, a sack and two quarterback hurries in the game against West Virginia … Named third team All-ACC for the season … Born in Auckland, New Zealand.
 
Vita Vea (Washington)
Defensive Lineman … Junior … Tongan Ancestry … Started 12 games … 37 tackles (25 solo) … 5.5 tackles for loss … 3.5 sacks … four passes broken up … 2017 Bednarik Award Semifinalist … 2017 Associated Press Preseason All-American … Named to the Pro Football Focus National Team of the Week in Week 9 … Born in Palo Alto, Calif.