Ilaoa Up for Polynesian Player of the Year
8/18/2023 8:34:00 AM | Football
Offensive lineman Josh Ilaoa has picked up a preseason watch list nod. The 'Cuse center has been added to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List.
The award is presented by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, and is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. The Watchlist is composed of 85 players from 41 different FBS schools.
"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."
Ilaoa, who has played in 33 games at SU, but only has two starts, is expected to play a large role on the offensive line unit this season. He's been working at center mostly in fall training camp.
The Watchlist candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list will be made as the 2023 season progresses. The finalists and winner will be chosen by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee which includes former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Jack "The Throwin' Samoan" Thompson (Chairman), Coaches Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Olin Kreutz, Inaugural Inductee and past NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, former NFL Player and Class of 2015 Inductee Ray Schoenke, ESPN Sportscaster Neil Everett, and NFL Network commentator Steve Wyche.Â
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).
The Orange open the 2023 season on Sept. 2 vs. Colgate. Season tickets, partial plans and individual game tickets are now on sale at Cuse.com/Tickets. Season tickets, which start at just $99, remain the best value for Orange fans. Fans can also purchase group tickets, hospitality packages and tailgate packages. With two of the last three games in the JMA Dome having been sold out, fans are encouraged to secure their seats today to be part of the action.
The award is presented by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, and is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. The Watchlist is composed of 85 players from 41 different FBS schools.
"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."
Ilaoa, who has played in 33 games at SU, but only has two starts, is expected to play a large role on the offensive line unit this season. He's been working at center mostly in fall training camp.
The Watchlist candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list will be made as the 2023 season progresses. The finalists and winner will be chosen by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee which includes former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Jack "The Throwin' Samoan" Thompson (Chairman), Coaches Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, former NFL Player and Inaugural Inductee Olin Kreutz, Inaugural Inductee and past NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, former NFL Player and Class of 2015 Inductee Ray Schoenke, ESPN Sportscaster Neil Everett, and NFL Network commentator Steve Wyche.Â
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).
The Orange open the 2023 season on Sept. 2 vs. Colgate. Season tickets, partial plans and individual game tickets are now on sale at Cuse.com/Tickets. Season tickets, which start at just $99, remain the best value for Orange fans. Fans can also purchase group tickets, hospitality packages and tailgate packages. With two of the last three games in the JMA Dome having been sold out, fans are encouraged to secure their seats today to be part of the action.
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