By Matt Bradshaw–
In his final college season, tight-end Cole Hikutini knows this is the year for not only himself, but his team, to prove they are at the top of their game.
“I’m really excited to see what our team can do this year,” said Hikutini. “We know our defense is solid, so I’m ready to see our offense take off and to see the numbers that we can put up.”
The 6-foot-5, 248 lbs. Hikutini returns as Louisville’s most productive receiving tight-end. In his first season with the Cardinals last year, Hikutini appeared in 11 games and started in three of them. The junior-college transfer led all tight-ends with 19 receptions for 348 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, Hikutini recorded three catches for 103 yards in the Cardinals’ Music City Bowl victory over Texas A&M.
While Hikutini did injure himself in the season opener, that didn’t stop him for the entire year.
“The injuries did slow me down a little bit, but once I got accustomed to Division I football, I was able to realize how I needed to take care of my body even when healthy and get the treatment I needed,” said Hikutini. “As the season progressed I gained confidence and no longer second-guessed myself. I knew the plays and could go out and play at full speed.”
In spring ball, Hikutini demonstrated how his size and speed are going to cause match-up problems. He was one of the team’s most dependable receiving targets, making five catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game.
Now, with the season opener for this year drawing closer, Hikutini reflected on how the team is closer and never been more ready for the ACC.
“Our whole offensive line is together. Everyone knows their plays and their checks. We’re playing faster than we’ve ever played, we’re all confident, and we’re all one unit,” Hikutini said. “We’re like a brotherhood this year, and that’s only going to help us out on the football field.”
In Bobby Petrino offense, tight-ends are high a commodity. Hikutini admitted that Petrino’s use of tight-ends contributed on him coming to U of L.
“The coaches told me about how Petrino used D.J. Williams, who won the Mackey (awarded to the nation’s best tight-end) and how I can play a similar role,” Hikutini said. “The way Petrino coaches and uses tight-ends is exactly how I want to play it. Plus, we run things just like NFL tight-ends do. When it comes to game planning with my position, Petrino is the highest level.”
If Hikutini is able to have a big season, that means Lamar Jackson has a good safety blanket. Furthermore, the senior is a sure-handed receiver who can become any quarterback’s best friend.
Photo by Sam Draut / The Louisville Cardinal
