Bishop Gorman grad honored as Polynesian College Football Player of the Year

Notre Dame senior offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley, who played high school football at Bishop Gorman, was selected as the winner of this year's Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award for his efforts, it was announced Tuesday.

Stanley, who is of Tongan descent, helped to lead the Irish (10-2) to a Fiesta Bowl berth against Ohio State. He had a 97.3 percent pass block success rate and helped the team rush for 2,582 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns.

The award, which is in its second year, honors the most outstanding player of Polynesian ancestry. The first winner was former University of Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, who now plays for the NFL's Tennessee Titans.

"On behalf of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Board of Directors and the selection committee, we congratulate Ronnie on this historic accomplishment," Polynesian Football Hall of Fame co-founder Jesse Sapolu said in a statement. "He truly represents the very best of our Polynesian culture."

Stanley will receive the award during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame enshrinement weekend at the celebration dinner on Jan. 29. Other finalists included Oregon defensive lineman Deforest Buckner, USC linebacker Su'a Cravens, UCLA kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn and USC wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster.