 He played high school football at Hueneme High School in Oxnard, California.Pinkard's prep career included being named a Super Prep All-American, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, All-CIF Southern Section first team, All-CIF Division IV and Los Angeles Times All-Ventura/North Coast pick as a senior suuwooin defensive back, wide receiver, and center.During his senior year at Katy he recorded 123 tackles, 2 sacks and 4 interceptions on defense and 22 receptions for 200-plus yards with 5 TDs on offense.