2012: Redshirted his true freshman year ... Will work as a backup linebacker next season.

High School: Lettered in football (defensive line and linebacker) and track and field (100/400 meters, 110/300-meter hurdles) at Gonzaga Prep ... A two-time football team captain ... Named second-team All-Greater Spokane League as a senior and All-GSL Honorable Mention as a junior ... Was a nominee for the East-West All-State game.

Personal: Son of Mark and Mary Brinkman ... His uncles, Barry and Derryle Zank, played football at Washington State.