Jason Pinnock Elevated to Starter for Giants

Former Pitt Panthers defensive back Jason Pinnock is an emerging star for the Giants.

PITTSBURGH -- The New York Giant's first depth chart of the season brought some good news for former Pitt Panthers defensive back Jason Pinnock. 

The third NFL training camp of his career has been Pinnock's best. His athleticism helped him make the full transition from cornerback to safety and he eventually earned the first-team spot at strong safety New York.  

"He hadn't surprised me," Giants defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson said this week. "From the first time that we got him last year, coming over from the Jets, you saw an explosive athlete. He's one of the most explosive athletes on our team. And that was from when he first walked in the door."

The Giants saw the positional convert as a raw product when he made the cross-town move from the Jets, but have found that he's fit in quickly at his new position and still has room to grow. 

His progress as a safety was apparent in the preseason opener, when he picked off a pass, deflected another and recorded a tackle for loss in just 15 snaps. In fact, Pinnock played so well against the Detroit Lions that the coaching staff opted to pull him from the game earlier than expected. 

"He's had a good camp," Daboll said. "We were going to play him in roughly 10 to 12 plays, but he had some productive plays early on. So, we got him out, gave some other guys some opportunity. But, pretty productive day for a short amount of time."

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

SirVocea Dennis Remains Out Of Buccaneers Practice

Another Freshman Breaking Out For Pitt Offense

Pitt Lands Top 50 in ESPN Analytical Rankings

Jordan Addison Enters Concussion Protocol

Pitt OC Frank Cignetti Promises New Offensive Approach

ACC Network Analysts Believe Pitt Going Underrated

• Follow Inside the Panthers on Twitter: @InsidePitt