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Tennessee football vs. Florida: 5 Vols to watch for against Gators

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Darrin Kirkland Jr. #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers returns an interception for a touchdown during a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Darrin Kirkland Jr. #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers returns an interception for a touchdown during a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images
Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images /

There’s no question that Darrin Kirkland Jr. has been the best defensive player for Tennessee football through three games. He was the one bright spot for the Vols against the West Virginia Mountaineers, and he has been a playmaker in coverage and in stopping the run.

As we keep saying, his incredible intelligence make him a rare perfect fit for inside linebacker in a first-year 3-4 system. Kirkland has been able to pick it up easily, and it’s showing. Now, on Saturday, he’s going to have one of his biggest tests.

Dan Mullen’s spread offense clearly relies on elite play from the linebackers to stop it. After all, they need to be able to close the gaps, and they have to read the quarterback when he drops back to pass. It’s more crucial than ever.

Because both sides are still adjusting to new systems, this is where Kirkland, having a strong comeback year after a season-ending injury, gives the Vols a major advantage. His photographic memory will allow him to easily match wits with Feleipe Franks all day. And he’s probably the guy who will come out on top.

So in order to win and shut down this team, the Vols desperately need Kirkland to be their major playmaker. Linebackers are key to stopping Mullen’s spread even when it runs flawlessly. When it has some kinks to be fixed, as it does right now, the linebackers are then key to also blowing it up. Kirkland should be able to do that on Saturday.

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