Jason Pinnock accepts invitation to 2021 Hula Bowl

Pitt cornerback Jason Pinnock accepted an invitation to the Hula Bowl, according to an announcement from the event’s organizers on Saturday. Pinnock is the second Pitt product to accept an invite to the Honolulu all-star event, as it was revealed in December that Pitt center Jimmy Morrissey would attend as well.

Statistically, 2020 was the best season of Pinnock’s college career, as he tied Paris Ford for the team lead in interceptions, with three, and ranked second to Damar Hamlin in pass breakups, with five in nine games. In addition to that, he also logged 20 tackles, including one for a loss. The tackle and interception totals marked career highs for Pinnock, and his success prompted him to forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the NFL draft.

Despite an overall solid season with some ups and downs, Pinnock has not drawn much draft buzz and is not ranked among the top prospects at his position by CBS, ESPN or Pro Football Focus. But with that said, the Hula Bowl should provide him with an opportunity to boost his stock and pique the interest of NFL scouts ahead of the draft in April.

The Hula Bowl has been played annually since 1947 at various locations in Hawaii, and Pitt alums Mike Ditka, Tony Dorsett, Steve Israel and Dan Marino have all previously played in the game, with each of them winning MVP honors. This year’s game is set to kick off from Aloha Stadium in Honolulu on Jan. 31.