Joseph Pinjuh '20 Recruiting Profile

My name is Joseph M. Pinjuh, II, and I am currently a sophomore at Padua Franciscan High School in Parma, Ohio.  I live with my mom, dad and sister in Independence, Ohio.  My mom and dad are both attorneys having attended Syracuse University and Vanderbilt University.  They have always stressed to me the importance of academics and being a well-rounded student-athlete.  Their advice and guidance are what motivate me to be an honor roll student while participating in three varsity sports.  My dad was a two-sport athlete in college at Syracuse walking on to both the football and track teams.  He constantly tells me how sports can help you achieve your academic potential if you manage your time wisely and stay focused.

At Padua, I play football in the fall, swim in the winter and compete in track and field in the spring.  I have been on the honor roll in every quarter since I started high school.  As a sophomore at Padua, I started on the junior varsity football team at linebacker, all special teams and got significant playing time at running back.  I also played in several varsity games and our team made the state playoffs for the first time in over seven years.  This winter, I earned a varsity letter in swimming competing in the 50 and 100 freestyle, the 100 breast, the 4x200 freestyle relay and the 4x400 freestyle relay.  As a freshman at St. Edwards High School, I earned a varsity letter in track running the 100, 200, 4x100 relay, and also throwing shot put and discus.  I am competing in those same events at Padua this spring.

While I play other sports, football has always been my passion since I started playing flag when I was six years old.  I was lucky enough to have my dad as my coach until I started playing for my middle school in the seventh grade.  My dad taught me to be a student of the game, live in the gym and always give 110% with a great coachable attitude.  I may not be the biggest player or fastest player, but I can promise any coach that I am privileged enough to play for that I will always give my all, play any position that will help the team, and be a great teammate and leader on and off the field.  This is the attitude that I hope to bring to your program if you choose me to be part of your team.  I look forward to speaking with you in person and learning more about the athletics and academics at your school.  Thanks for taking the time to view my profile and read my personal statement.

Joseph M. Pinjuh, II