Four WSU Cougars Named to Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List

Joe Londergan | Aug 15, 2024

Oct 30, 2021; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Washington State Cougars defensive back Jackson Lataimua (30) runs with the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday the watch list for the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. Four members of the Washington State Cougars found themselves on that list: offensive lineman Fa’alili Fa’amoe, defensive back Jackson Lataimua, Edge Nusi Malani and offensive lineman Esa Pole.

96 players from 37 different FBS schools made this year's list.

RELATED: Washington State's Kyle Thornton & Fa'alili Fa'amoe Named To Lombardi Award Watch List

One Cougar has won this award previously: defensive lineman Hercules Mata’afa after the 2017 season.

Fa’amoe, a redshirt-junior and native of Pago Pago, American Samoa has started 19 consecutive games for the Cougars, all at right tackle.

Lataimua, a redshirt-junior of Tongan decent from San Bruno, Calif., appeared in all 12 games last season including seven as a starter and recorded 32 tackles, two for loss, one forced fumble and an interception. He makes the move to strong safety this season.

Malani, a senior of Tongan and Filipino decent from San Bruno, Calif., appeared in all 12 games last season including six as a starter where he made 24 tackles with four for loss, 1.5 sacks, one pass breakup and three quarterback hurries.

Pole, a senior of Tongan decent from Hayward, California, appeared in nine games in 2023, eight as the starter at left tackle.

Five finalists for the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on December 3 and the winner will be announced on December 17.