Depending on the day, depending on the play, Terrell Pinkney II could be one of the top linebackers in Jacksonville.
Or maybe a safety. Or a defensive end.
Or possibly, sometimes, even a cornerback.
The fact is, the Trinity Christian senior can make an impact at any of those positions on the supple, fast-moving Conquerors defense, and it’s one big reason why Pinkney has earned a spot on the annual preseason Times-Union Super 11 for the Jacksonville area’s top senior high school football recruits.
On most recruiters’ lists, he’s a linebacker, one with the speed and agility to stay with anybody in the open field. But depending on the game situation, fans might spot Pinkney lining up for Trinity in any number of positions.
Whatever the situation calls for.
“I like to affect the game as much as possible,” he said. “So if my coaches think I’ll be better at another position at that current moment in time, we put trust into our coaches.”
Recruiters like what they’re seeing from Pinkney. He’s a three-star recruit for both 247Sports and Rivals, and he comes in at No. 79 on the USA TODAY Florida Network Top 100 following spring football.
Teammates like defensive tackle Adrian Williams also appreciate his impact. They know that when Pinkney is downfield in coverage, against anybody, life for the offense is about to get tougher.
“When he’s covering, if it’s longer than three seconds [for the quarterback to get the ball out], it’s a sack,” Williams said.
Although a back injury sidelined Pinkney for the early part of the 2025 season, limiting him to 11 tackles and a fumble recovery, his sophomore season in 2024 better displayed his range of talents. That year, he finished with 36 tackles, an interception and 5 1/2 sacks.
“He brings that length and speed,” head coach Verlon Dorminey said. “Just to have him back, to be able to help us after he missed the first three or four games last year, to have him back is huge.”
Pinkney said he’s always been a Jalen Ramsey fan going back to the cornerback’s Jacksonville Jaguars years, but these days, he also focuses on studying the Baltimore Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton and the Philadelphia Eagles’ Nick Emmanwori, safeties who play with a distinct physical edge.
In June, Pinkney announced his commitment to South Florida, selecting the Bulls ahead of programs including Boston College, Georgia Tech and Michigan State. But before then, he’s aiming to return Trinity to the top of the Florida High School Athletic Association for the first time since 2021.
From any position that leads to a championship trophy.
“We have a standard here at Trinity,” he said. “Semifinals, some people would be OK with that. But we have a standard to where we need to win state, not just make it there.”
TIMES-UNION SUPER 11
LB/DB Terrell Pinkney II
School: Trinity Christian
Height/weight: 6-3, 195
Recruiting status: Committed to South Florida.
Catch Northeast Florida’s high school sports season with NFHS Network
The USA TODAY Network is kicking off the high school sports rush with an opportunity for Florida Times-Union readers to get a discount on a yearly subscription to the NFHS Network.
All year, fans will be able to stream their favorite teams live on the platform, while also having a chance to rewatch games on demand—including 2026 high school football.
And now, because you’re part of the USA TODAY Network, you’ll be able to get 15% off the subscriptions.
How to sign up for NFHS Network
First, head to NFHS Network and hit the Subscribe button located on the top-right corner of the main page. From there, select the yearly plan that works best for you and your family.
Once you have registered, go to the redeem section here, and use this USA TODAY Network promo code: USAT15
How long is USA TODAY Network running this promotion?
The registration period for the NFHS Network PROMO CODE is from August 1 to September 7.
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll have access to the NFHS Network for the entire year — ending in August of 2027.
How to stream games on NFHS Network
Once you have registered, you’ll be able to search from the thousands of high school games available on the NFHS Network, from must-see local showdowns to Super 25 matchups and more.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Super 11: LB? DB? DE? Trinity’s Terrell Pinkney II wears many hats
Reporting by Clayton Freeman, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Clayton Freeman, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
