Liufau A Finalist For Polynesian Player of the Year

HONOLULU – Colorado QB Sefo Liufau was one of five players named a finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Tuesday.

The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity. University of Oregon and Tennessee Titans Quarterback Marcus Mariota was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2014, and Notre Dame and Baltimore Ravens Offensive Lineman Ronnie Stanley was selected as the recipient in 2015.

The other four finalists for 2016 include TE Cole Hikutini (University of Louisville), DT Lowell Lotulelei (University of Utah), DB Kai Nacua (Brigham Young University) and WR Juju Smith-Schuster (University of Southern California).

The Finalists were chosen by a selection committee composed of past head football coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), LaVell Edwards, Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, ESPN SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett, NFL player personnel expert Gil Brandt, past NFLPA president Kevin Mawae (Polynesian Football HOF Inaugural Inductee) and Hawai'i sportscaster Robert Kekaula.

Liufau has helped lead the Buffs to a 9-2 record this season, compiling an 8-1 record as a starter. He missed two-and-a-half games with an ankle injury and his one loss was at Michigan and the Buffs had the lead at the time of his injury.

He has completed 156-of-233 passes this season with 10 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He has also ran the ball 125 times for 424 yards and 6 scores. He is the only Pac-12 offensive player to earn the league's Player of the Week honors twice.

He won the award after the Buffs beat Colorado State to open the season when he completed 23-of-33 passes for 318 yards and one touchdown. He won the second award in CU's 38-24 win over Washington State this past weekend, completing 27-of-41 passes for 345 yards and running 23 times for 108 yards and three touchdowns.

Liufau's 300/100 game was the second in school history, alongside freshman Steven Montez's similar performance at Oregon earlier this season when he was filling in for Liufau. Adding the three rushing touchdowns and only Liufau and Louisville's Lamar Jackson have accomplished all three this season in college football.

The winner of the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on December 8. The formal presentation of the Award will be held at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner (January 20, 2017) along with being recognized at the Inaugural Polynesian Bowl (January 21, 2017).

Players Mentioned

Sefo Liufau

Steven Montez

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