Fresno State Athletics
Photo by: Samuel Marshall
Maeva named to award watch list
8/19/2021 9:00:00 AM | Football
Maeva named to Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List
HONOLULUÂ - Fresno State senior transfer linebacker Tyson Maeva has been named to the watch list for the 2021 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday morning. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. The watch list is composed of 63 players from 31 different FBS schools.
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Maeva, in his first season as a Bulldog, has already made a positive impact on the football program in just a short amount of time. Earning the title of team captain, as voted upon by his teammates, Maeva brings an energy to the team that not many can match. In addition to his leadership abilities, Maeva is expected to make his name known as part of the Bulldog defense.
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The San Diego, Calif. native transferred to Fresno State from FIU, where he spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Prior to his stint at FIU, Maeva began his collegiate playing career at Boise State (2016-18). While in the Mountain West, Maeva earned all-conference honorable mention recognition in 2017. He was top three on the team in tackles during his last two seasons with the Broncos, recording 84 and 61, respectively.
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The sixth-year senior gets the chance to play the 2021 season after the NCAA approved a blanket waiver for all 2020 fall sports student-athletes to retain a year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Maeva is the third Bulldog to be recognized by the organization, joining OL Netane Muti and LB Nela Otukolo. Muti, now with the Denver Broncos, was a two-time honoree in 2018 and 2019. Otukolo earned the first honor for the program in 2017.
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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 (January 21, 2022) at the Sheraton Waikiki, and they will also be recognized at halftime of the Polynesian Bowl (January 22, 2022).
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The Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list may be made as the 2021 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.
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"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
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Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateFB
Instagram: Fresno_State_Football
Facebook: FresnoStateFootball
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Maeva, in his first season as a Bulldog, has already made a positive impact on the football program in just a short amount of time. Earning the title of team captain, as voted upon by his teammates, Maeva brings an energy to the team that not many can match. In addition to his leadership abilities, Maeva is expected to make his name known as part of the Bulldog defense.
Â
The San Diego, Calif. native transferred to Fresno State from FIU, where he spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Prior to his stint at FIU, Maeva began his collegiate playing career at Boise State (2016-18). While in the Mountain West, Maeva earned all-conference honorable mention recognition in 2017. He was top three on the team in tackles during his last two seasons with the Broncos, recording 84 and 61, respectively.
Â
The sixth-year senior gets the chance to play the 2021 season after the NCAA approved a blanket waiver for all 2020 fall sports student-athletes to retain a year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Â
Maeva is the third Bulldog to be recognized by the organization, joining OL Netane Muti and LB Nela Otukolo. Muti, now with the Denver Broncos, was a two-time honoree in 2018 and 2019. Otukolo earned the first honor for the program in 2017.
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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 (January 21, 2022) at the Sheraton Waikiki, and they will also be recognized at halftime of the Polynesian Bowl (January 22, 2022).
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The Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list may be made as the 2021 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.
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"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Â
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateFB
Instagram: Fresno_State_Football
Facebook: FresnoStateFootball
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Players Mentioned
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