Alabama 2026 Talent Rollie Pinto Quietly One of Nation’s Top Statistical Receivers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In any given sport the saying holds true, “the numbers don’t lie”. In the case of Rollie Pinto, the Class of 2026 receiver may not be given his due on the national stage. If you follow high school football, especially the statistics, and you’ve never heard of Rollie Pinto and his 1,826 receiving yards in 2024, the defense rests.
If all 2024 high school football statistics were accurately delivered to one source, Pinto (6-0, 181) had the sixth best season nationwide, tops in the state of Alabama. Getting to 1,826 receiving yards, Pinto hauled in 108 passes reaching the end zone 22 times.
A deeper dive into the year had with Piedmont High School (Piedmont), Pinto produced 2,817 all-purpose yards with 28 total scores.
“We run a basic Spread offense with tempo,” Pinto stated. “We didn’t huddle, we kept pushing the pace on our opponents.”
The ways in which the Bulldogs’ staff got Pinto the ball varied game to game.
“It would depend on the defense,” Pinto said. “Our offensive coordinator would switch it up; I was at running back some and would do sweeps, the deep ball, bubble routes, and screens.”
Asked about the best game turned in, Pinto replied, “I’d say my favorite was Cherokee County. I had 20 receptions for 200 yards, or something like that.”
Pinto continued, “We did a really good job of breaking down their defense, and they had a good defense. We ran routes in the middle of the zone against their zone. We found the soft spots and ran short routes; they couldn’t stop us. We kept hammering it down.”
On what makes him a dominating player on the high school gridiron, Pinto shared, “I feel like I can make people miss, and when my number is called to make a play, I can make a play.”
The offseason is split between basketball and preparing for his senior run.
“I am focused on getting faster,” Pinto stated. “The big part is getting stronger, eating right, and getting my nutrition down. I am working on all aspects of the game.”
Fresh off a 62-49 win over Westbrook Christian, Pinto spoke about the Bulldogs’ hardcourt season, “It is good. We won last night. I had six 3-pointers.”
Back on the field, college teams are learning about Pinto’s accomplishments.
“I went to North Alabama twice and I went to Jacksonville State one time,” Pinto said.
The trips to Florence and Jacksonville were great experiences for the standout receiver.
“The North Alabama visits were good,” Pinto shared. “I talked with all the coaches there, and I had a good time at the game. Jacksonville State was fun. I got to go on the field after the game to celebrate with the players. That was a good experience.”
More visits are coming up.
“North Alabama invited me to a Junior Day and so did Troy; I may go down there and look at that,” Pinto stated.
The rapport with the Trojans is growing.
“I have been texting with their director of player personnel, and one of their coaches came up to my school,” Pinto shared. “They are showing interest in me. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds with them.”
Among the superlatives of Pinto’s junior year, his receiving numbers broke a 20-year state record helping him earn first team All-State.
Photo credit: Pinto family; Rollie Pinto