The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame has announced five Finalists for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, presented by Starwood Hotels and Resorts. The Polynesian College Football Player of the Year will be awarded to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity.

The five finalists include P/WR/PR Scott Harding (University of Hawai’i), LB Hau’oli Kikaha (University of Washington), QB Marcus Mariota (University of Oregon), DE Nate Orchard (University of Utah) and QB Anu Solomon (University of Arizona).

The Finalists were chosen by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which is composed of past college football head coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), LaVell Edwards and Ron McBride, ESPN SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett, NFL player personnel expert Gil Brandt, past NFLPA president and Inaugural Inductee Kevin Mawae and Hawai’i sportscaster Robert Kekaula.  The committee will meet again in the coming weeks to select the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year.

“The Polynesian influence and prestige in football is at an all-time high, and rapidly expanding,” said Jesse Sapolu, Chairman and Co-Founder. “The Polynesian College Player of the Year award showcases the immense talent of our Polynesian student-athletes in college football today.”

The winner of the 2014 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on December 9. 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 23, 2015.

“On behalf of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Board of Directors, we congratulate the inaugural 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.”

Source: Polynesia Football Hall of Fame media release