The award is given annually to the most outstanding Polynesian player in college football who epitomizes great ability and integrity. Smith-Schuster, who is of Samoan ancestry, was chosen as one of five finalists from a watch list of nearly 40 players.
Smith-Schuster leads the Trojans with 58 catches for 758 receiving yards and 8 TD this season. This year, he moved up to No. 6 in USC's all-time receptions rankings.
The Long Beach, CA native aims to become just the third ever recipient of the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, which was given inaugurally to Oregon QB Marcus Mariota in 2014 and to Notre Dame OT Ronnie Stanley in 2015.
The winner of the award will be announced on Dec. 8 and will be honored at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on Jan. 20-21 in Oahu, Hawai'i.
