A graduate of Chicago's Phillips High School, Hinton began attending Northwestern University in 1980 and was originally a tight end. As a true freshman he played in 11 games and caught seven passes for 43-yards. In his last season as a tight end in 1980 he caught 19 passes for 265 receiving yards in ten games. As a junior in 1982, Hinton was switched to offensive tackle by second year head Coach Dennis Green. His best collegiate season came in his senior year in 1983, as he was voted co-captain to begin the season and was voted first-team All-America and first-team All Big 10. He completed the year playing in the East–West Shrine Game and the Blue-Gray Classic.