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

I think the staff sees enough LBs ready to contribute and know the scheme better, so they felt comfortable putting Weatherd as a Pass Rushing D-End.

Trying to see if he can contribute on 1st and 2nd down at that spot. He will still have that stand up pass rush package he had last year
 
Per Hubbs

"It's still a three man competition between Colton Jumper, Darrin Kirkland, and Kenny Bynum. I tell you want Darrin Kirkland did some things tonight (Monday) that you just can't coach," defensive coordinator John Jancek said. "We will get in there and watch the film and see where we all are. They have all been getting the reps. They are getting the looks that they need. We know that we are going to have to settle in here when we get back on Thursday. We can't share three guys with reps. We will know a little bit more after we watch tonight's film. We did a lot of football tonight and Darrin really jumped out."

As for what Kirkland showed, a smiling Jancek said it was just his awareness.

"Just instinctive things where he slipped a block. He's not robotic," Jancek said. "He understands concepts and makes plays with maybe not exactly how it's drawn up. It never unfolds exactly how you think as a coach so you want those players in there that can maybe slip a block a certain way. Kind of like a Reeves-Maybin. You just gotta feel the leverage on the ball. Can I take the run thru? Can I not? Do I have to play a little bit more over the top? Those were the things that I saw tonight. And he has the athleticism and quickness as an interior blitzer that will give some offensive linemen some problems."
 
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This is soooo refreshing to hear! Sounds like he stepped up.

Now if we can get the big uglies on the offensive line healthy going into the season we will look pretty dang good.
 
Oh Dear God please let us be stacked with talent on the OL like we are an DL, WR, and LB soon
 
I'm fairly sure he was the other guy that was getting pushed around by Kyle Phillps in the clips of KMac bullrushing Thomas. Raulerson is #64.

I know hes kind of a project lineman that the staff took in a large class, but I haven't heard one good thing about him since hes been on campus.
 
I know hes kind of a project lineman that the staff took in a large class, but I haven't heard one good thing about him since hes been on campus.

He'll never play meaningful snaps for Tennessee. Like Blair, his helmet has been accumulating black stripes. Poor kid, it looks like a Zebra's mane across the top of his helmet.
 
Kirkland stepping up and taking the MLB spot is great. I'm really liking the way our big time defensive recruits are stepping up. Wouldn't surprise me if by mid-season we have Kirkland starting at MLB and Kahlil/Shy starting at DT. Thats all be an all-freshmen lineup in the middle of our defense.
 
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Kirkland stepping up and taking the MLB spot is great. I'm really liking the way our big time defensive recruits are stepping up. Wouldn't surprise me if by mid-season we have Kirkland starting at MLB and Kahlil/Shy starting at DT. Thats all be an all-freshmen lineup in the middle of our defense.

Obrien and Williams will still both play A lot. And probably one of them will start alongside a freshman. But yes by midseason it is conceivable to have 3 tru frsh starting.
 
Obrien and Williams will still both play A lot. And probably one of them will start alongside a freshman. But yes by midseason it is conceivable to have 3 tru frsh starting.

They definitely will. They are better conditioned than the newcomers.
 
And here you have "the answer" at Mike as well as staying on the field in the nickel. Thanks for posting this. Really going to enjoy watching his development.

I said this would happen. I said 3 practices in they would know it was him they wanted in there at Mike.

Jumper amd Bynum are good quality players. Good competition is... good.
 
Kirkland stepping up and taking the MLB spot is great. I'm really liking the way our big time defensive recruits are stepping up. Wouldn't surprise me if by mid-season we have Kirkland starting at MLB and Kahlil/Shy starting at DT. Thats all be an all-freshmen lineup in the middle of our defense.

Usually that's a bad thing but I like it.
 
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