MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -When Patrick Pinkney talks about graduating at East Carolina, he sounds like a grizzled old alum. After all, the Pirates’ quarterback earned an undergraduate degree back in 2008.
“It’s been a while,” he said.
Pinkney wasn’t ready to say goodbye, however, and when the NCAA granted him a sixth year of eligibility in 2009, he came back to lead East Carolina to another Conference USA title. This weekend, he’ll try to finish his lengthy career with a win when the Pirates play Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl on Saturday.
The son of a former East Carolina defensive back, Pinkney began his career with the Pirates in 2004 – but he was a long way from taking the field. He redshirted that year, then missed the 2005 season because of a shoulder injury.
In 2006, Pinkney was on the scout team. He finally started playing in ’07, starting five games that year and 13 a season ago.
ry, the NCAA granted him one more year, making up for time he missed while injured and giving East Carolina a 23-year-old quarterback for teammates to tease in 2009.
“Pat knows he’s old,” wide receiver Dwayne Harris said. “He doesn’t get offended by it.”
Arkansas’ quarterback, Ryan Mallett, has been in college three years. He’s already played his way into NFL draft discussion. Mallett played at Michigan in 2007, sat out last season after transferring to Arkansas and has put up big numbers for the Razorbacks in 2009.
Contrast that with Pinkney, who didn’t play a down his first three years with East Carolina.
“I don’t know how he did it,” said Mallett, who grew restless while sitting out his one season at Arkansas. “I couldn’t do that, man.”
Despite his experience, Pinkney needed to make an adjustment this season. The Pirates started 3-3 before winning six of seven, including a 38-32 victory over Houston for their second straight Conference USA championship.
“Patrick, being a sixth-year quarterback, tried to do too much early in the year. He put too much on his shoulders,” East Carolina coach Skip Holtz said. “As the year went on, Patrick settled down. He went back to making the read, taking what the defense gives him and not trying to go over the top and force the ball for a touchdown.”
yards and five touchdowns, but he was also intercepted three times. Pinkney, meanwhile, threw for 262 yards and a touchdown but wasn’t intercepted.
“Patrick’s biggest strength is he is so even keeled. He doesn’t get rattled or down,” Holtz said. “But Patrick’s biggest weakness is he’s very even keeled. He’s not emotional, he’s not a real fiery guy. … But having a guy with his decision making helps you do a lot more with your offense.”
Pinkney received a degree in health fitness and says he’s started working toward his masters, but he’d also like to play in the NFL and doesn’t feel he should have to switch positions. Pinkney is only 6 feet tall, but he can point to another former East Carolina player for inspiration – Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson.
“A lot of people thought he wasn’t going to play running back in the league because of his size,” Pinkney said. “He’s the leading rusher in the NFL.”
Before worrying about the pros, Pinkney will play one final college game, and it won’t be an easy one. East Carolina lost in the Liberty Bowl last season to Kentucky on a late fumble return. Now, the Pirates will face another Southeastern Conference team – and one that is playing close to home.
Win or lose, Pinkney expects an exciting end to his six-year odyssey.
“I’m going to miss it,” Pinkney said. “It’s the memories of your teammates. It’s going to be emotional after this last game here. Obviously I’m going to soak it in and play my best.”
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