Mataafa named AP All-American
The Maui News
Washington State University defensive lineman Hercules Mataafa was named to The Associated Press’ All-America first team Monday, the latest postseason honor for the Lahainaluna High School graduate.
Mataafa, a 6-foot-2, 252-pound junior, has 43 total tackles, 30 solo, this season. He led the Pac-12 with 21.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
Last week, Mataafa was named to the Walter Camp and Sports Illustrated All-America first teams, and earned the AP’s Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Mataafa and the 21st-ranked Cougars play No. 16 Michigan State in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 28 in San Diego.