A bunch of players with Utah ties are on the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year watch list

Last season among the many accolades he received, former BYU Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson was named the co-Polynesian College Football Player of the Year alongside former USC Trojans star Talanoa Hufanga.

On Thursday, the preseason watch list for the 2021 award was released, and while there’s no guarantee that one (or more) of the 63 players on it will win, the state of Utah was well-represented.

In all, 19 of the 63 players — nearly a third — have a close connection to the Beehive State. A bunch are playing collegiately in Utah, while another good-sized group went to high school in the state and are now playing at schools elsewhere.

BYU

Chaz Ah You

Lorenzo Fauatea

Lopini Katoa

Puka Nacua

Neil Pau’u

Keenan Pili

Isaac Rex

Utah

Satatoa Laumea

Simi Moala

Viane Moala

Tennessee Pututau

Nephi Sewell

Mika Tafua

Utah State

Demytrick Ali’ifua

Falepule Alo

From Utah

Junior Angilau (East High, Texas)

Siaki Ika (East High, Baylor)

Noah Sewell (Orem High, Oregon)

Sam Taimani (East High, Washington)