Every Top 25 College Football Team's Most Under-the-Radar Player

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Enki_Amenra

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Every Top 25 College Football Team's Most Under-the-Radar Player


7. Tennessee: Darrin Kirkland Jr.

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Year: Sophomore
Position: Linebacker
Height, weight: 6'1”, 230 lbs


Unable to garner the same kind of hype as most of his (recruiting class) teammates, Kirkland had to settle for standing out via his performance.

Kirkland started 10 games at middle linebacker last year, his 66 tackles fourth-most in school history for a true freshman (per his online bio). He made for a great compliment alongside Jalen Reeves-Maybin yet couldn't get out from Reeves-Maybin's sizable shadow.

That could change this fall, as Wes Rucker of 247Sports noted, based on Kirkland's dedication in the weight room. "Every time I see #Vols Soph MLB Darrin Kirkland, he looks bigger," Rucker tweeted last week.
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#7
#7
Kirkland's physical attributes have always been obvious, but what impressed me last year is how incredibly intelligent he is. It's extremely rare to see a true freshman come in at any level, much less the SEC, and make practically no mental errors(can't think of a single huge/notable error he made). He's a special player.
 
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#8
#8
Titans4Vols said:
Kirkland's physical attributes have always been obvious, but what impressed me last year is how incredibly intelligent he is. It's extremely rare to see a true freshman come in at any level, much less the SEC, and make practically no mental errors(can't think of a single huge/notable error he made). He's a special player.
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Well said. I was impressed with his intelligence and instincts. He really seems like a heads up player.
 
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#9
#9
Kirkland, Kelly, Chance Hall, Justin Martin, and Preston Williams all come to mind!

Ev. Berry, Austin Smith, Jauan Jennings, Kahlil/Shy, Vereen, McDowell, and Renfro are all potential under the radar candidates plus 15 other players.
 
#10
#10
Titans4Vols said:
Kirkland's physical attributes have always been obvious, but what impressed me last year is how incredibly intelligent he is. It's extremely rare to see a true freshman come in at any level, much less the SEC, and make practically no mental errors(can't think of a single huge/notable error he made). He's a special player.
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I believe CBJ said he had a photographic memory.
 
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