2011 (True Freshman):
Redshirted the season.
High School:
A 2011 graduate of Watauga High School in Boone, N.C. ... Four-year starter at tight end for the Pioneers ... Played for Coach Tim Pruitt ... Led Watauga with 90 tackles, including 16.5 for loss with six sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a senior in 2010 ... Had 75 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and 11 sacks as a junior ... Participated in the East-West All-Star game in Greensboro ... Earned all-conference honors ... Recorded 12 tackles in a game against Alexander Central ... Also participated in track & field and led the Pioneers to a pair of conference championships ... Finished sixth in the state in the discus as a sophomore ... Won the Northwestern Conference shot put and discus championships as a senior.
Personal:
Son of Jimmy and Stacie Pineda ... Born Dec. 17, 1992 ... Last name is pronounced "pin-EH-duh.
