During his junior year at the University of Pittsburgh season in 2009, Pinkston was named first-team All-Big East and a second-team All-American by SI.com and Rivals.com.

[1] During his senior season in 2010, he was named to the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy watch lists.

As a 2011 NFL draft prospect, Pinkston was considered one of the best offensive linemen in the 2010 senior class.

[3] Pinkston started all 16 games for the Cleveland Browns as a rookie after guard Eric Steinbach was injured in training camp.

He reached an injury settlement with the Browns on August 5, 2014, stating his intention to retire because of recent health issues.