Recruiting Report: (QB/DB) JT Tinklenberg- Pipestone Area (2020)

Jake Evans

April 3, 2020 @ 01:20 AM

*Cover Photo- JT Tinklenberg- Kevin Kyle/Pipestone County Star JT Tinklenberg is a 6'1" 200 pound QB/DB for the Pipestone Area Arrows. He helped lead the Arrows to a 7-4 season with a State tournament trip. Tinklenberg is also a four-sport athlete, adding basketball, baseball, and track in his arsenal of athleticism. He got some starts under-center as a sophomore including a start in the 2017 Prep Bowl. He played primarily as a Safety in his Junior season and saw some snaps at WR. His Senior campaign he played both ways most the season. Tinklenberg has good size and speed, makes good throws on the run, and can run for speed and for power. He can also set up a throw a good deep ball as well. He works hard in academics as well with a 3.87 GPA and scoring a 28 on the ACT. I was able to catch up with JT and ask about some late-season recruiting. Check it out below! NFN: Hello JT, tell us a little about yourself and how you began playing football. Tinklenberg: I'm a Senior at Pipestone Area High School. I started playing tackle football in 5th grade but started applying myself more to football as a freshman. NFN: What do you love about the game? Tinklenberg: The thing I love most about football is the atmosphere. There is nothing that compares to running out on that field and getting to run around with family. NFN: How was your 2019 season both personally and as a team? Tinklenberg: We had a good season going 5-3 in the regular season and returning to the State tournament, avenging one of our three losses to Redwood Valley in the Section Championship. Personally, I feel I had a good season being effective in the run game in our option offense. I also felt like I grew as a QB making better reads. Lastly I feel like I became a better leader and improved my mentality and how I approached each practice and game. NFN: What were you expectations for this Season both personally and as a team? Tinklenberg: Our team goal was to make it back to the State tournament. Personally, I wanted to be more consistent as a passer. I also wanted to be a good leader and set the best example for our underclassmen. Looking back to 2018, we lost a lot of Seniors and a lot of people did not think we would have the season we did. We just focused on one goal and everyone bought in to achieve it. NFN: What's it like Playing for Pipestone Area? Tinklenberg: Playing football for the Arrows is a very special opportunity. Pipestone is a community that is very supportive of their football team and it's amazing to go out and represent them every Friday. NFN: How has your recruitment been going? What are you looking for in a college program? Tinklenberg: My recruitment has been pretty quiet. I've had a few schools contact me, but nothing too serious. For football, I'm interested in a program that is focused on a main goal and playing for coaches who will make me the best I can be. On the school side, I'm interested in a school that has high academics so I am able to succeed in the classroom as well as on the field. NFN: Any idea in what you want to study in college, or a career path? Tinklenberg: I'm planning on majoring in either Biology/Pre-Med or Exercise Science. I want to move on into Physical Therapy school. Check out JT Tinklenberg's Senior Season highlights <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2DU0xD">HERE:</a> http://www.hudl.com/v/2DU0xD