LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV sophomore offensive lineman Leif Fautanu (LEEF faw-TAH-new) is one of 63 players from 31 FBS schools around the nation named Thursday to the 2021 Watch List for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. 
 
The honor is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who epitomizes great ability and integrity. Fautanu, who is a returning starter at center for the Rebels, is a 2019 graduate of University Laboratory High School in Honolulu.
 
Former University of Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota was selected as the inaugural recipient of the award in 2014; former University of Notre Dame lineman and Las Vegas' own Ronnie Stanley, received the award in 2015; former University of Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau received the award in 2016, former Washington State defensive end Hercules Mata`afa won in 2017, former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa received the award in both 2018 and '19 while former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson won it in 2020.
 
The winner of the 2021 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 (Jan. 21, 2022) at Sheraton Waikiki and the winner will also be recognized at halftime of the Polynesian Bowl the next day.
 
"The participation, prestige and excellence of Polynesian players continues to grow in college football," said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman, Co-Founder, and Inductee. "This award allows us to showcase the very best in our community."
 
UNLV opens its season Sept. 2 by hosting Eastern Washington at 7 pm. Season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets are available now by calling (702) 739-FANS or visiting unlvtickets.com.