Starring and not injured would be freshman linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr.. The rookie from Indianapolis has surged up the depth chart even as legacy Vol Dillon Bates has battled various ailments --- remember, Bates and Cortez McDowell sat out the open practice in front of what some UT officials announced was a crowd of 40,000 but estimated to be closer to 30,000 --- and Bates returned to a spot on the scout team during Thursdays open portion of practice. Kirklands understanding of the game, physicality and ability to quickly adapt all are factors in Kirkland being positioned to garner serious playing time this fall.
