HONOLULU – Four members of the University of Hawai'i football team – offensive lineman Solo Vaipulu, wide receiver Jonah Panoke, and defensive linemen Blessman Ta'ala and Jonah Kahahawai-Welch – were named to the watch list of the 2022 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award  
 
The award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. The Watch List is composed of 85 players from 43 different FBS schools.
 
This year marks the third time that Vaipulu was named to the watch list (2019 and '21). Panoke was also named to the list last year while Ta'ala and Kahahawai-Welch are first-time recipients.
 
No UH player has ever won the award however four were finalists – Darius Muasau (2020), John Ursua (2018), Jahlani Tavai (2017), and Scott Harding (2014). 
 
Five finalists for the 2022 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on December 1st and the winner will be announced on December 15th. The presentation of the Award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Celebration Dinner (January 21, 2023) at the Sheraton Waikiki, and they will also be recognized during the Polynesian Bowl (January 20, 2023).