Michael Pinckney: 2016 Season Review

The Miami Hurricanes had a nationally recognized defense in 2016 and linebacker Michael Pinckney stood out more times than not. Not only did he stand out, but Pinckney decided to have a stellar season and earned Freshman All-America recognition from ESPN. That’s right, FRESHMAN All-America.

Pinckney was among five starting true freshman on the Hurricanes defense, three of whom were starting linebackers. Pinckney was rated the lowest out of the three, but arguably had one of the biggest impacts on the team. He enrolled early in January 2016 and assumed the starting role as the weak-side linebacker. A bit undersized (6’1” 220 lbs.), the freshman started all 13 games for the Canes and finished…