Four-Star 2015 LB Darrin Kirkland Jr. Commits to Vols

The Vols added another solid piece to their recruiting class on Monday with the addition of four-star linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. PHOTO: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Vols lost a linebacker last week when 3-star LB Cecil Cherry decommitted from the 2015 class. Well, that void has been filled.

Four-star linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. has committed to the Vols for the 2015 class. The inside linebacker out of Indianapolis, IN gives the Vols their 25th known commitment for the 2015 class and their 11th from a four-star or better. He holds offers from 30 different schools, including Texas, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Florida, Michigan, USC, and others. He is rated as the No. 175 overall player and No. 4 inside linebacker according to the 247Sports composite.

Inside linebacker will be a position of concern for the Vols next season, and Darrin Kirkland Jr. could come in and immediately compete for playing time as a true freshman. Linebacker Gavin Bryant has been redshirted this season in anticipation of the void at inside linebacker, and Dillon Bates may see some time there as well for the 2015 season.

Regardless, Kirkland should come in and fight for a starting spot in fall camp. In seven games this season in which stats were recorded on Max Preps, Kirkland amassed 105 tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, a sack, 4 QB hurries, 3 interceptions, and a fumble recovery. Kirkland has also been selected to the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Kirkland is Tennessee’s second linebacker commitment in the 2015 class, joining 3-star OLB Austin Smith. Kirkland figures to be one of the top players in the Vols’ 2015 class, and he should have an opportunity to contribute immediately at least on special teams as a freshman.