Louisville Cardinals senior tight end Cole Hikutini has been named to the Polynesian College Football Player of The Year watch list awarded annually to a player of Polynesian decent. Hikutini is the only player in the ACC on the watch list with the majority of players residing in the Rocky Mountain and West Coast regions. There are eight players on the watch list east of the Rocky Mountains.

Hikutini is a Sacramento native and began his career at Sacramento State before transferring to junior college. In his first year at Louisville, he appeared in 11 games last season, three starts, for the Cardinals and had 19 receptions for 348 yards and three touchdowns. Hikutini had a slow start at Louisville due to nagging injuries but ended with a flourish catching three passes for 103 yards in a 27-21 Louisville win over Texas A&M in the the Music City Bowl. A big and athletic target at 6-foot-5, 248-pounds, Hikutini averaged 18.4 yards per catch and will be an integral part of the Cardinals' offense after impressing the coaching staff during spring practice. Hikutini was also named to the Mackey Award watch list given to the nation's top tight end.

Previous winners of the award include Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota and Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley. The 2016 award winner will be announced on Dec. 7.