TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Arizona football was represented by Jayden de Laura, Jonah Savaiinaea, Jacob Manu, Tetairoa McMillan, Sio Nofoagatoto'a, and Tiaoalii Savea on the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List, as announced today by the organization.

Savaiinaea, Manu, and McMillan return to the watch list for the second consecutive season. Nofoagatoto'a has been selected to this watch list for the third straight year after making the list in 2021 and 2022. 

Meanwhile, Savea makes his second straight appearance on this watch list after being selected to the 2021 Polynesian Bowl roster out of high school. De Laura makes the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List for the first time since joining the Wildcats. 

"This award means so much to our people and allows us to showcase the tremendous impact that our Polynesian student-athletes are having on the game of football," said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman, Co-Founder, and Inductee. "We look forward to following all of the players on their journey this season."

The winner of the 2023 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on December 14. Five finalists will be unveiled on November 30. The presentation of the Award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Celebration Dinner (January 20, 2024) at the Sheraton Waikiki, and they will also be recognized at halftime of the Polynesian Bowl (January 19, 2024).

About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame: The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia's greatest players, coaches, and contributors. Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center and was established in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma'a Tanuvasa. Other board members include Troy Polamalu, Vai Sikahema, June Jones, and Reno Mahe. There are currently 44 inductees. The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame has provided over $300,000 in college scholarships to date. For more information, go to PolynesianFootballHOF.org. 

About the Polynesian Bowl: The Polynesian Bowl is a premier all-star game played annually in Honolulu, Hawai`i that features 100 of the nation's top-ranked high school seniors of Polynesian and non-Polynesian ancestry alike – many of whom have gone on to play in the NFL. Past MVPs include top-rated players AJ Epenesa, Puka Nacua, Travis Hunter, and Nico Iamaleava.

The game is broadcast live and in primetime on NFL Network.