5 Bold Predictions For Vols In 2015
By Zach Ragan
Oct 4, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; A general view of the Tennessee Volunteers Vol Navy on the Tennessee River prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Darrin Kirkland Jr Will Lead The Vols In Tackles
Ok so this bold on a couple of different levels.
First off, I think Kirkland Jr, despite missing spring practice, will win the starting middle linebacker job as a true freshman.
And then secondly, I think Kirkland Jr makes more tackles then stud outside linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
Reeves-Maybin finished tied for the team lead in tackles last season, though that wouldn’t have been the case had AJ Johnson played the final few games of the season.
Typically it’s the middle-linebacker that leads the team in tackles. But with a new player manning the position, there’s no guarantee that will be the case.
I think Kirkland Jr is smart enough to not only win the middle linebacker job, but I think he’ll pull a Derek Barnett/Cam Sutton and excel as a true freshman.