By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
GREENVILLE — Patrick Pinkney has an easy smile and a calm demeanor off the field.
The junior quarterback carried that same attitude with him onto the field at No. 9 Virginia Tech. Pinkney hit on 14-of-25 passes for 115 yards while also adding 48 yards with his feet in the 17-7 loss.
It was that kind of effort, coupled with his poise, that entrenched him as Saturday’s starter against the North Carolina Tar Heels in ECU’s home opener.
Pinkney wasn’t rattled by the crowd, the national spotlight or the Hokie defense.
Pinkney was No. 3 on the depth chart the week before the season opener. Thanks to his play against the Hokies, he earned the right to start the game — the first of his career — Saturday at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
Pinkney’s first start will come against a North Carolina team (1-0) coming off a season-opening win over James Madison. A crowded house is expected for the 6 p.m. game.
Holtz said Pinkney will start, but he’s not ruling out playing any or all of his quarterbacks in the Pirates’ (0-1) home opener.