LSU Tigers offensive lineman Maea Teuhema has been recognized as one of the top players in college football of Polynesian descent. The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame released their watch list for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, and Teuhema represents the only SEC player on the list. While most Polynesian players star for schools on the west coast, Teuhema is one of eight players east of the Rocky Mountains on the watch list.

Teuhema was a standout freshman in 2015, landing on the ESPN.com True Freshman All-America Team after starting at left guard in 11 games and playing in all 12 for the Tigers. The former five-star prospect was a part of an offensive line that opened up holes for running back Leonard Fournette on the the way to his school-record rushing total of 1,953 yards. LSU's rushing attack was ranked No. 7 nationally with 256.8 yards per game on the ground.

Previous winners of the award include Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota and Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley. The 2016 award winner will be announced on Dec. 7.