Cole Pinson Cole Pinson 5'10" | 160 lbs | LB/ATH Pikeville | 2030 KY showed exactly the kind of toughness and motor that sets him apart, running the ball with the same intensity he brings on the defensive side. He consistently attacked downhill, hitting holes with purpose and refusing to go down on first contact. His effort paid off with a touchdown, but what stood out even more was his ability to turn what looked like minimal gains into explosive runs. Time after time, he took plays that should’ve been stopped for short yardage and stretched them into 10+ yard pickups through sheer determination and physicality.

What makes Pinson so effective is his combination of vision, strength, and relentless drive. He’s a punishing runner who thrives between the tackles, and defenders quickly learn that bringing him down is no easy task. His balance through contact and forward momentum make him a constant threat to break off bigger runs. With his downhill style and competitive edge, Pinson projects as an exciting player to watch at the next level, where his physical brand of football should translate well and continue to turn heads.

Cole Pinson Cole Pinson 5'10" | 160 lbs | LB/ATH Pikeville | 2030 KY of Pikeville is widely known for his impact on the defensive side of the ball, but he brings that same physical mindset and toughness when carrying the ball on offense. A two-time Defensive Player of the Game over the last two years in the KY Future Stars Game, Cole has proven himself as a competitor who thrives on big stages. At the Battle of the Regions, he’ll be showcasing his abilities on offense, and his running style is sure to stand out.

Cole runs with the same intensity that he brings on defense. Downhill, physical, and punishing. While he’s not a flashy, make-you-miss type of runner, he thrives on lowering his shoulder, attacking the line of scrimmage, and wearing down defenders. He does a great job of hitting holes with purpose and can create movement when needed, whether it’s picking up tough yards or helping open lanes. Overall, Cole is a tough, no-nonsense runner whose physical style makes him a valuable asset and a tone-setter on offense.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. For the second consecutive year, Cole Pinson Cole Pinson 5'10" | 160 lbs | LB/ATH Pikeville | 2030 KY was named the Defensive MVP of the Kentucky Future Stars after a stellar day against the Volunteer State. The Pikeville Junior High prospect (unofficially) led the team with six tackles on the afternoon, but it was some football fundamentals that really separated him from the pack. The 7th Grade Tennessee Future Stars had a lethal offense which forced Pinson to run literally sideline to sideline all game long. The Outside Linebacker made a number of downfield tackles on speedy receivers that had already beaten the KY Defensive Backs. Furthermore, he played excellent against the pass and dropped back into his zone(s) without hesitation. His range was crucial to limiting the bleeding for Kentucky.

As mentioned above in the the write up of Jameson Justice Jameson Justice 5'9" | 165 lbs | LB Pikeville | 2030 KY , the Linebackers were arguably the best position group a year ago on the 6th Grade Kentucky Future Stars–and it all started with Defensive MVP Cole Pinson Cole Pinson 5'10" | 160 lbs | LB/ATH Pikeville | 2030 KY . When looking at Pinson, the most evident thing is his size and fluidity when moving on the field. While he does play Linebacker, obviously as a high level, he also plays Wide Receiver and other positions on the offensive side of the ball. He’s long, quick and is rarely out of position. While watching him at the Battle of the Regions in late March 2025, his athleticism and versatility was on full display. He made a number of plays that caught my attention on offense, defense and special teams. He’s certainly a player to know for the future.

Pinson earned defensive MVP honors for his performance in the 6th grade contest, showcasing outstanding speed off the snap as well as great execution in crucial moments. I liked Pinson’s ability to apply pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the offense, proving he can blast past the offensive line and sack the gunslinger in 4th down scenarios.