3 USC football players represent Polynesian community on watch list

USC football has always taken pride in the fact that they have been an exceptional program for Polynesian players to play at and succeed. So many of the greatest players in USC history have been Polynesian.

From Junior Seau, to JuJu Smith-Schuster, to Lofa Tatupu, to Troy Polamalu and MANY more, USC has had all kinds of Polynesian superstars come through the program and not only play elite football at the college level but also at the NFL level.

This year too, they have a few Polynesian ballers that have very high ceilings. Three Polynesian Trojans were placed on the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List. Tuli Tuipulotu, Brandon Pili, and Stanley Ta'ufo'ou were selected to the watch list.

Each one of these USC football players is right to be on this list.

Among these three USC football players selected for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List, Tuipulotu is of course the favorite. The Defensive Tackle is coming off of another standout year where he recorded 48 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two PD's, two forced fumbles, and a scoop and score. Those numbers are insane for a tackle.

And Pili can play too when he's healthy. At 6-4, 235 pounds, his size is most certainly there at DT. His issue ins't capability, but durability. That size is a blessing, so if he can stay upright all year, he could absolutely make his own run at this award. Posting three PD's and five tackles for loss in 10 games for the 2019 season--he has what it takes to succeed if he can stay available.

And if BP makes the list, Ta'ufo'ou should be there too. He played in eight games last year to Pili's two, and his 18 tackles match Pili's career-high in just those eight games (Pili did it in 10). Most recognize Pili's ceiling, and it's why he should be on the watch list. Ta'ufo'ou has proven that he can compete with Pili on the defensive line, too, and therefore belongs on the radar for the award as well.

SC's got a chance to take this one home. There truly is no program who has churned out more Polynesian greatness on the football field than USC, and it will continue this season. It'll put at least one of these three Trojans in positions to give themselves a shot for the award, and remind all of how dominant SC is in bringing in and developing Polynesian talent.