Cole Hikutini
Cole Kenna Hikutini is an American professional football tight end for the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League. He played college football at the University of Louisville.
Early life
Hikutini attended Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove, California, where he was a two-way player. As a senior, he collected 27 receptions for 536 yards and six touchdowns, receiving second-team All-Delta River League honors as a defensive back. He had 143 receiving yards and one touchdown against Lincoln High School.College career
Hikutini accepted a football scholarship from Sacramento State. He was redshirted in 2012. As a freshman in 2013, he appeared in nine games, starting the last four, while registering 21 receptions and five touchdowns. He had five receptions for 42 yards and two touchdowns against the football team|University of Montana].Hikutini transferred to San Francisco City College in 2014. He posted 40 receptions for 658 yards and four touchdowns. He transferred to the University of Louisville after his sophomore season.
As a junior, Hikutini appeared in 11 games, making 19 receptions for 348 yards and three touchdowns. As a senior, playing alongside Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Lamar Jackson, he recorded 50 receptions for 668 yards and eight touchdowns. Hikutini suffered a knee injury during the 9-29 Citrus Bowl loss against LSU.
Professional career
San Francisco 49ers
Hikutini was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2017. He was waived on September 2, and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on October 14. In Week 7, in the 40–10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, he had his first career NFL reception, a five-yard catch. He was placed on the injured reserve list on November 6.On September 1, 2018, Hikutini was waived by the 49ers.
Minnesota Vikings
On September 3, 2018, Hikutini was signed to the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings on January 2, 2019. Hikutini was waived by Minnesota on August 31.Dallas Cowboys
On September 2, 2019, Hikutini was signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. On December 30, Hikutini was signed to a reserve/future contract.On September 4, 2020, Hikutini was waived by the Cowboys and re-signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Cowboys on January 4, 2021. Hikutini was waived by the Cowboys on March 19.