RENO, Nev. – Nevada football senior Gabriel Sewell and sophomore Toa Taua have been named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity.

The list is composed of 62 players from 32 different FBS schools.

After five finalists are selected in December 5, the winner will be chosen on December 17. The recipient of the award will be recognized at halftime of the Polynesian Bowl at Aloha Stadium on January 18, 2020.
The watch list candidates are selected based on past performance and future potential. The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee will choose the winner. Members of the committee include coaches Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, and former NFL players Olin Kreutz and Ray Schoenke.

After leading Nevada with 92 total tackles last season, Sewell will return for his final year with the Wolf Pack in 2019. While accumulating 7.5 tackles for loss as well as three sacks, Sewell also boasted two pass breakups along with a forced fumble and two recoveries.

Taua was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Year in 2018 after leading the Wolf Pack with 872 rushing yards on 178 carries. He was tied for second with six rushing touchdowns while amassing 67.08 yards per game.

The 2019 Nevada football season kicks off at home this year as the Wolf Pack is set to face the Purdue Boilermakers out of the Big 10 on Friday, Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m. PT. Season tickets, mini plans and single game tickets are all on sale now. Visit NevadaWolfPack.com or call 348-PACK for more information.