University Southern California Trojans
Players Mentioned
USC's Talanoa Hufanga Named Finalist For Polynesian College Player of the Year
January 06, 2021 | Football
USC safety Talanoa Hufanga, a consensus All-American first teamer and the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, is one of five finalists for the 2020 Polynesian College Player of the Year Award.
The award, presented annually by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, recognizes the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who epitomizes great ability and integrity.
Joining Hufanga as 2020 finalists are defensive tackle Haskell Garrett of Ohio State, linebacker Darius Muasau of Hawaii, wide receiver Khalil Shakir of Boise State and quarterback Zach Kapono Wilson of BYU.
The winner will be announced on Jan. 12.
Hufanga led USC in tackles (62), interceptions (4) and forced fumbles (2) in 2020 and had 3 sacks. He ranks third nationally in interceptions (0.7), 16th in forced fumbles (0.3) and 19th in tackles (10.3). He had an interception in 4 consecutive games this season, the first Trojan to do so since 1996. The junior is a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and was a semifinalist for the Witten Award.
