UC redshirt junior J.J. Pinckney was raised in Sylvania, Ohio. He attended Southview High School, where he played wide receiver. A three-star recruit, he chose UC over Michigan State, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Boston College. During the recruiting process, the former UC defensive backs coach David Clinkscale actually recruited J.J.’s brother. This relationship led Pinckney to UC.
After making his way down I-75 South to Cincinnati, J.J. began his career under Coach Tuberville as a cornerback. When coach Fickell came in, he immediately switched Pinckney back to his natural position at wide out. According to J.J., “not too many opportunities have come his way.” However, the coaching change and position switch offers him a fresh start, and J.J. is excited to see what the final two years of his career offer on the offensive side of the ball.
His mother and stepfather actually surprised him and drove down to watch him play during the closed scrimmage inside Nippert Stadium Saturday night. J.J. is likely the only person on the team who knows where Genoa, Ohio, is located, near Sylvania (where I grew up).
J.J. has a creative side and is very interested in art. He is a psychology major, but spends plenty of time at DAAP – UC’s world-renowned College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. His hobbies include modeling and exploring Cincinnati. After football is finished, he plans to move to Hollywood and pursue modeling, acting, and writing.
By Andy Smith