By Michael Lindsay
White County High School senior and 2024 Class 4A Mr. Football semifinalist Tripp Pinion made his college plans official Friday morning as he signed with Cumberland University football in Lebanon.
“I’m very excited to have a chance to go somewhere and continue my athletic and academic career,” said Pinion. “Cumberland is a good school with a good education. I think what I bring to football fits in the best there.”
Pinion played quarterback for the Warriors and amassed 4,713 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns on the ground in three seasons while passing for 2,695 yards and 32 touchdowns. Pinion signed with Cumberland to play slot receiver for the Phoenix.
“I played quarterback here, but we ran the ball a ton here,” said Pinion. “I was just an athlete back there. They’re wanting to use me in the slot to get me the ball out in the open. I definitely need to keep getting stronger; that’s something we’ve lived by here at White County. If you’re strong on a football field, you won’t be a weak link.”
Pinion went 29-16 in his four-year career in Sparta and led the Warriors to their only state quarterfinal appearance in school history.
“I describe him as a generational talent,” said White County head coach Curtis Beaty. “Once in a lifetime type of kid. Tripp refuses to lose, and you can’t teach that. Cumberland is a really good fit for Tripp. It’s really good football and he’s a standout athlete. He set the standard here for work ethic and did all the little things right.”
Pinion already has plans laid out for his educational path at Cumberland.
“I’m going for business administration,” said Pinion. “Me and one of my buddies have had a landscaping business for about 4 years so far, but we’re hoping to get into the electrical business.”
Despite wrapping up football in the Class 4A state quarterfinals in November, Pinion still has his senior basketball season to finish.
“Sparta has meant everything to me,” said Pinion. “There’s no place like it. The crowds and environments are incredible.”
