Washington State University Athletics
Luani, Mata’afa Named To Polynesian Player of the Year Watch List
July 27, 2016 | Football
HONOLULU – Washington State safety Shalom Luani and defensive lineman Hercules Mata'afa were both named to the 2016 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday.
Luani, a senior from Masausi, American Samoa, was also named to the watch list prior to last season. Luani earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention after recording 90 tackles, two forced fumbles, 10 pass breakups and a team-best four interceptions including one returned for a touchdown. Luani earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week and Jim Thorpe Award Player of the Week after tallying 11 tackles and two interceptions in the win over Oregon State. He clinched the double-overtime win at Oregon with an interception and later sealed the Sun Bowl victory over Miami.
Mata'afa, a redshirt-sophomore from Lahaina, Hawaii, earned Freshman All-America First-Team honors from USA Today and All-Pac-12 honorable mention last season after tying for the team lead with seven sacks. Mata'afa recorded 11 tackles-for-loss during his freshman campaign and capped the season earning Outstanding Lineman of the Sun Bowl in the win over Miami.
This award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity, and is of Polynesian ancestry. 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.
Luani, a senior from Masausi, American Samoa, was also named to the watch list prior to last season. Luani earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention after recording 90 tackles, two forced fumbles, 10 pass breakups and a team-best four interceptions including one returned for a touchdown. Luani earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week and Jim Thorpe Award Player of the Week after tallying 11 tackles and two interceptions in the win over Oregon State. He clinched the double-overtime win at Oregon with an interception and later sealed the Sun Bowl victory over Miami.
Mata'afa, a redshirt-sophomore from Lahaina, Hawaii, earned Freshman All-America First-Team honors from USA Today and All-Pac-12 honorable mention last season after tying for the team lead with seven sacks. Mata'afa recorded 11 tackles-for-loss during his freshman campaign and capped the season earning Outstanding Lineman of the Sun Bowl in the win over Miami.
This award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity, and is of Polynesian ancestry. 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.
Players Mentioned
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