'15 IN LB Darrin Kirkland Jr (UT Commit 12/15/14)

#126
#126
Ron Swanson said:
That's true. It's also possible that another incoming LB grows into a MLB and with us running so much 4-2-5 there's not a need for that many MLB's on the roster, right?
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Yep I agree. I think Cherry will be the only MLB in this class unless there is just someone who's too good to say no to.
 
#127
#127
PA Vol said:
I thought I read something about Johnson possibly moving to DE. That would leave us with only Bryant and Cherry going forward wouldn't it?
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Johnson has moved to DE, and the move is expected to be permanent. One of the coaches (can't remember if it was Jancek or Strip) said during spring practice that they just expect him to keep getting bigger and bigger. FWIW, they said the same thing about Mixon and his move to DT.
 
#128
#128
RCS COLUMBUS: TOP PERFORMERS - DEFENSE


1. LB Darrin Kirkland Jr.

Kirkland proved to be the best linebacker in a loaded group. The Rivals250 member has excellent footwork and was putting on a clinic during the position drills portion for the camp. When it came time for one-on-ones, Kirkland stepped up to every challenger. He showed that he has the speed to run with any running back or tight end and was able to make some plays on the ball while it was in the air. Kirkland broke up a number of passes en route to winning the linebacker MVP award.
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-Rivals
 
#130
#130
PA Vol said:
Is this guy strictly a MLB or could he play outside?
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At 1st I thought he was 10-15LBS away from being a MLB. Per the article Ron posted, it looks like he does well in coverage as well. He ma be able to play either, it would just depend on how he fills out over the next couple years.
 
#131
#131
LebanonVolunteer said:
At 1st I thought he was 10-15LBS away from being a MLB. Per the article Ron posted, it looks like he does well in coverage as well. He ma be able to play either, it would just depend on how he fills out over the next couple years.
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I agree. Kirkland is an intriguing guy. Seems as though he's lower on the board, but the kid's definitely a player. I didn't really expect his coverage skills to be what they are so he will be one to keep an eye on for sure.
 
#132
#132
Just from an eye test I like this guy better than Anderson. I don't pretend to be an expert at evaluating LBs though.

Really want this guy and DeBerry to come in with Cherry.
 
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#135
#135
Kirkland had originally planned to make his commitment announcement on May 30. He has since decided to postpone that decision and expects to have a decision in August now, saying it "will definitely be before my season begins."

"My plan right now is to take some more visits and see some places I haven't been able to see yet," Kirkland said.

Ole Miss and Tennessee were two schools Kirkland offered up this past weekend when asked to preview his favorites ahead of announcing them on Thursday.

"Those are two schools that are both in the SEC and they have established great relationships, both been in this spring," Kirkland said.
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-Rivals
 
#137
#137
Sounds like this guy has a lot of potential. Being able to cover with that size is a huge asset. Would definitely be cool with this guy being a Vol. His size and coverage ability remind me of what's was being said about Bates, can't wait to see if he gets any game action next year.
 
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#142
#142
TriCitiesVol said:
I think he'll end up at Penn St with Jenkins and Wimbush.
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I'll guess it's michigan for Kirkland. He has a visit coming up with them, and they don't have any LB's committed currently. They should be able to sell him pretty easily on being a major need for them. IMO penn st ends up 2nd as it's a much tougher sell for them having 2 LB's already on board. I felt the michigan offer could change things for the kid and him postponing his decision makes me think he really wanted to see ann arbor.

JMO
 
#144
#144
Ron Swanson said:
That seems to be the case, at least recently, from what the VQ mods have said. He's lower down the LB board and they're only taking 3 LB's this class most likely.
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Do you think Anderson will be one of those three if he wants to be a Vol?
 
#145
#145
Phat-Phil said:
Do you think Anderson will be one of those three if he wants to be a Vol?
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It's hard to say. Cherry is already in the fold and a MLB, I'm guessing they will take 2 OLB's as well. Baker is likely #1 on the board and the Vols are a real contender for his signature. Not sure who would be next in line, Q. Sapp, DeBerry (although he likely ends up a DE), maybe it's Anderson?
 
#146
#146
Ron Swanson said:
It's hard to say. Cherry is already in the fold and a MLB, I'm guessing they will take 2 OLB's as well. Baker is likely #1 on the board and the Vols are a real contender for his signature. Not sure who would be next in line, Q. Sapp, DeBerry (although he likely ends up a DE), maybe it's Anderson?
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I agree. LB is one of the positions it's going to be interesting to see just exactly what happens due to numbers imo...
 
#147
#147
PA Vol said:
Is this guy strictly a MLB or could he play outside?
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He can play both IMO. I've seen it said in a few places that the staff absolutely loves Kirkland and he is a definite take if he wanted to commit. If Paul is one of those on VQ who just recently said he was down the board at LB then that is the exact opposite of what he said just a couple of weeks ago. I've heard is that it is a TN/MI battle. I think he grew up a big MI fan though.
 
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#148
#148
LebanonVolunteer said:
I'll guess it's michigan for Kirkland. He has a visit coming up with them, and they don't have any LB's committed currently. They should be able to sell him pretty easily on being a major need for them. IMO penn st ends up 2nd as it's a much tougher sell for them having 2 LB's already on board. I felt the michigan offer could change things for the kid and him postponing his decision makes me think he really wanted to see ann arbor.

JMO
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The Cooper kid is a Mike all day. Barajas is a stud. I was surprised Franklin kept him away from ND. I think Barajas could play any of the 3 LB spots. Kirkland could play Mike and Sam, IMO.

I'm not sure about Penn St's numbers for this class, but Kirkland would be a very solid pickup for any team.
 
#149
#149
Montrell Hardy said:
He can play both IMO. I've seen it said in a few places that the staff absolutely loves Kirkland and he is a definite take if he wanted to commit. If Paul is one of those on VQ who just recently said he was down the board at LB then that is the exact opposite of what he said just a couple of weeks ago. I've heard is that it is a TN/MI battle. I think he grew up a big MI fan though.
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You sure about that? Everything I've seen from Fort over the last couple months is that he's down the board some and not sure if he's a take now.
 
#150
#150
Ron Swanson said:
You sure about that? Everything I've seen from Fort over the last couple months is that he's down the board some and not sure if he's a take now.
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He said a few weeks ago (which surprised me) that the staff really liked Kirkland and he was high on their list. I wish I could dig up the old post but I dont know how to do that from that long ago. It surprised me because I seem to remember like you that he had said previously he wasnt sure how high he was on the list. I haven't seen him comment on Kirkland since he said the staff really liked him.
 
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