San Diego State senior linebacker Ronley Lakalaka has been named to the 2018 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday. It is the second straight season that he is on the watch list, which is presented to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry.
Lakalaka is one of 50 players from 34 FBS schools on the initial list. In its fifth incarnation, previous recipients of the award include Marcus Mariota, Ronnie Stanley, Sefo Liufau and Hercules Mata`afa. The award winner will be announced on Dec. 14, with the five finalists unveiled on Dec. 5.
Lakalaka led the Aztecs with 82 tackles last year, despite missing a game, while adding 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and five quarterback hurries. He ended up as a second-team all-MW selection. Since 2015, the SDSU defense ranks first in FBS in turnover margin (+43) and interceptions (63), third in rush defense (116.3), turnovers forced (83) and interception touchdowns (10), sixth in total defense (305.5 ypg), seventh in scoring defense (18.9) and 12th in pass defense (189.2).
San Diego State finished 2017 with a 10-3 record, its school-record third consecutive season with at least 10 victories. The Aztecs are one of just seven schools in the nation to win at least 10 games in three straight seasons (also Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Wisconsin). SDSU is scheduled to return seven starters on offense and seven on defense, along with its kicker and punter.
The Aztecs kick off their season at Stanford on Friday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. PT, followed by a three-game homestand, beginning Saturday, Sept. 8 against Sacramento State at 6 p.m. PT.
Fans can purchase tickets (single-game, mini-plan and season) at GoAztecs.com, over the phone by calling (619) 283-7378, or by visiting SDCCU Stadium's Window E, Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. PT and 5 p.m. PT.
Lakalaka Named to Polynesian PotW Award Watch List
