Let’s just get right to it — Tennessee Vols linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr is going to be really, really good.
The true freshman from Indianapolis has turned into a vital player on the defensive side of the ball for Tennessee.
Kirkland, an early enrollee, missed spring practice due to injury. But his high football IQ has him already in the Volunteers’ defensive rotation.
Last week, against Kentucky, Kirkland made an incredible interception that was due completely to his knowledge of the game. He read the play perfectly (a screen pass) and made a play that a lot of fifth-year seniors wouldn’t have been able to make.
Kirkland explained on Wednesday how he was able to make the play.
KIRKLAND on his INT at UK: I saw the back leak and I knew I could shoot the gap and make a play on it. pic.twitter.com/ZNJ2RbQd1N
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) November 4, 2015
Of course it helps when Tennessee’s best defensive player (Jalen Reeves-Maybin) is your mentor.
Jones again says Jalen Reeves-Maybin has been a mentor to Darrin Kirkland.
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) November 5, 2015
Everyone knows how good JRM has been. But he didn’t start making an impact on defense until his sophomore year.
Kirkland is already starting as a true freshman. That’s not to take anything at all away from JRM, but Kirkland is certainly ahead of the curve.
The Vols’ defense is getting better as the season goes along and the development of Darrin Kirkland Jr is a huge reason why.
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I fully expect Kirkland to be an All-SEC player, probably as soon as 2016.
The sky’s the limit for this kid and the Volunteers are extremely fortunate to have him.