Baylor's Siaki 'Apu' Ika Named to 2022 Polynesian Player of the Year Watch List
Baylor's Siaki "Apu" Ika added another preseason honor to his growing catalog of awards after being named to the 2022 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List on Thursday.
The award is presented annually to "the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity," according to the official Polynesian Football Hall of Fame website.
Baylor football congratulated Ika with a tweet following Thursday's announcement.
.@Jackfish801 🤝 @PolynesianFBHOF 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧
— Baylor Football (@BUFootball) August 18, 2022
🔗 https://t.co/KIvfE7lVeJ#SicEm | #BUncommon pic.twitter.com/EMcXur89Tz
Ika, a 6-4, 358-pound defensive tackle out of Salt Lake City, Utah, transferred from LSU before the 2021 season. Last year for the Bears, he garnered 25 total tackles (18 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries and one pass deflection.
In addition, Ika was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year in 2021 and was tied for the third-most sacks on the team while appearing in 13 games (starting 12).
The fourth-year junior has also been named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, the 2022 Preseason All-America Third Team by Phil Steele, the 2022 Preseason All-Big 12 First Team by both Athlon and Phil Steele, Dave Campbell's Texas Football 2022 Preseason Best Defensive Lineman and the 2022 Preseason All-Texas First Team.
The winner of the 2022 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be named on Dec. 15, with the final five finalists being unveiled on Dec. 1.
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Denton Ramsey has been a journalist for over 20 years with a decade of experience as a sports writer and editor for a plethora of newspapers throughout Texas and Alabama. Growing up in Houston and attending Baylor University, Ramsey is a die-hard sports fan with a true passion for writing. He may be reached via email at denton.itb@gmail.com