Wisconsin Badgers defensive tackle Olive Sagapolu 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 on Wednesday for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player who demonstrates great ability and integrity. While most Polynesian players star for West Coast schools, Sagapolo is one of eight players east of the Rocky Mountains on the watch list.

Sagapolu played in all 13 games with four starts as a freshman in 2015. He finished with seven tackles in the regular season, including one tackle for a loss. He shined brightest on Oct. 10 at Nebraska, when he made four tackles. He also recorded two stops vs. Iowa on Oct. 3 and logged one tackle for a loss in the Holiday Bowl vs. USC on Dec. 30. Sagapolu is the nephew of current Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko and former Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Tupe Peko. Both of his NFL uncles played collegiately for Michigan State.

This year's candidates have been selected based on past performance and perceived potential, and candidates may be added to the list as the season progresses. 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.