HONOLULU – Sophomore offensive lineman
AJ Vaipulu received national recognition this morning as The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced the 2023 Watchlist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award.
The award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity. This year's list includes 85 student-athletes from 40 different FBS programs. Recent winners of the award include Marcus Mariota (Oregon), Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama), Penei Sewell (Oregon) and Zach Wilson (BYU).
The Aggie left guard from Riverside, Calif., appeared in 11 games during the run to becoming Quick Lane Bowl Champions behind a 7-6 overall record. During the year, Vaipulu made 10 total starts, including nine at left guard and one at center.
In addition to his most recent honor, Vaipulu was also named to the 2023 Phil Steele Preseason All-Conference USA Third Team. He is also one of two Vaipulu's named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award watch list as his older brother, Solo Vaipulu, was also named to the watch list. Solo plays offensive line for Hawai'i.
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