Kendall

Hinton

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler believes Hinton, a former quarterback who Wake Forest moved to receiver after the emergence of Jamie Newman and Sam Hartman, was the biggest Combine snub at the position. “He showed better polish in his routes than expected and tracked the ball naturally, showing the adjustment skills mid-air to make ‘wow’ catches on tape,” Brugler wrote. “Hinton is a very coordinated athlete in space.” Hinton posted a stellar 73-1,001-4 line in his lone full season as a receiver. Adding to the list of receiver snubs from the scouting event, Brugler also mentioned Isaiah Wright (Temple), Jonathon Johnson (Missouri), Isaiah Zuber (Mississippi State), Ja’Marcus Bradley (Louisiana) and Nick Westbrook (Indiana).

Hinton (6'0/195) caught a 29-yard touchdown pass to cap Wake Forest’s first drive, but that would be his only reception of the first half. The senior wide receiver also accounted for 72 return yards (36 kickoff, 36 punt), but he could have been more impactful in the passing game than he was. Hinton finishes his final season with 73 receptions for 1,001 yards and four touchdowns, with a score in each of his final three games. He’s accepted an invitation to play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, and special teams likely represents Hinton’s best path to a roster spot at the next level.

Hinton (6'0/195) is the second Wake Forest wide receiver to accept an invitation to play in this game, with Scotty Washington doing so on December 20. Hinton has caught 70 passes for 953 yards and three touchdowns, and his versatility can be a selling point when it comes to the next level. He began his Wake Forest career as a quarterback, making the move to wide receiver during the 2018 season. Hinton’s also been a contributor on special teams this season, returning six kickoffs for 106 yards.

Hinton is normally a bit more explosive than he was in this one, but that isn’t to say he played poorly. The 6-foot, 195-pound senior led the team in receptions and did his best to play the part of a security blanket for backup QB Sam Hartman. Unfortunately for the Deacons, it was not enough. Wake Forest end the regular season with an 8-4 record.

Hinton (6'0/195) stepped up his game with leading receiving Sage Surratt (shoulder) ruled out for the season earlier in the month. It was his third 100-yard performance in the past six outings, and he has 93 or more receiving yards in five of the past six outings. Hinton is up to 59 grabs for 865 receiving yards and two touchdowns in his nine games. He’ll look to stay hot heading into Syracuse next Saturday.

Hinton (6'0/195) had been cruising of late, having posted at least 90 yards receiving in each of his last four games coming into the weekend. Clemson was having none of that on Saturday, though, limiting the redshirt senior to a season-low 17 yards. Hinton and crew will look to bounce back against Duke next weekend.

Hinton did almost all of his damage in the first half, as there was no reason for Wake Forest to press things with a big lead and NC State looking inept on the offensive side of the ball. The 6-foot, 195-pound wideout didn’t score, but he set up several touchdowns with big plays, and he’s now gone over 90 yards in three straight games. Hinton and the Demon Deacons take on Wake Forest next Saturday.

Hinton’s (6'0/195) previous season-high for yardage had been 67, so he literally doubled his previous best today. Hinton missed two games with a hamstring injury earlier in the year, but he appears to be fully healthy again as he has grabbed 19 passes over the past two games. Hinton works out of the slot while Sage Surratt and Scotty Washington line up outside, which explains his lack of touchdown production relative to his over-the-middle role in the offense. Hinton will look to build on his solid showing next weekend when Wake welcomes Florida State to town.

Hinton (6'0/195) suffered the injury during Wake Forest’s Week 2 win at Rice, missing wins over North Carolina and Elon as a result. The redshirt senior is listed as a possible starter at slot receiver for Saturday’s ACC opener (the UNC game was a non-conference affair), with Jaquarii Roberson listed as the other option. Hinton is also listed as a possible starter at punt returner.

Hinton (6'0/195) was spotted reaching for his right hamstring following a catch during this past Friday’s win over Rice. While Clawson deemed the issue to be minor, the redshirt senior was not listed on the team’s Week 3 depth chart and looks unlikely to be able to play against North Carolina on Saturday barring a quick turnaround later in the practice week. With Hinton likely out, Jaquarii Roberson could potentially draw the start against the Tar Heels upcoming.