Former Utah Utes football standout Ma'ake Kemoeatu and BYU star Vai Sikahema were named finalists to the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame's class of 2016 on Thursday.
Kemoeatu (Tongan ancestry) played defensive tackle for the Utes before going on to play for the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers and Washington Redskins — for a total of 11 years in the NFL.
Sikahema was part of BYU's Miracle Bowl team, playing running back and kick returner. Sikahema played eight years in the NFL (Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers). Sikahema, who is also of Tongan ancestry, writes an occasional column for the Deseret News.
The 25 finalists were selected by a committee that includes Dick Tomey, LaVell Edwards, Ron McBride, Dick Vermeil and ESPN's Neil Everett. The inductees will be announced Oct. 7.
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