Kealakehe grad Eli named To Polynesian College Football POY Watch List

University of Hawaii and former Kealakehe offensive lineman Asotui Eli was named among a group of 38 players selected to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity.

Eli made 12 starts – 11 at center and one at right guard – during his redshirt freshman campaign in 2015. He missed only the Louisiana-Monroe game due to injury and was one of two freshman offensive linemen in the Mountain West to start 12 games. He ranked third-best on the team with an 82 percent grade and participated in 96 percent of offensive snaps in games he played.

The winner of the 2016 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on December 7. Five finalists will be unveiled on Nov. 17.

Eli has also been named to the watch list of the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation’s top center.