Darrin Kirkland Jr transferring from Tennessee

[skippy1813]

ILB from Lawrence Central. A couple of current IU players have tweeted at him. Could be one to keep an eye on...



111 tackles in 16 starts but has battled injuries the past couple years. Projected starter this year.

Grad transfer (so eligible immediately) with TWO years of remaining

 

[IndyIUFan66]

How can a grad transfer have 2 years remaining? Not questioning it just trying to understand the mechanics.

And does anyone know if his injuries are healed and he's ready to go. Hate to affect possible chemistry but hey, it is what it is, and he's an Indy kid, so if there is mutual interest and scholarship available, and he's an SEC talent, I say bring it on!

*Anyone tracking # scholarships available for situations like this? Good to have a few in the back pocket!

 

[turney333]

How can a grad transfer have 2 years remaining? Not questioning it just trying to understand the mechanics.

And does anyone know if his injuries are healed and he's ready to go. Hate to affect possible chemistry but hey, it is what it is, and he's an Indy kid, so if there is mutual interest and scholarship available, and he's an SEC talent, I say bring it on!

*Anyone tracking # scholarships available for situations like this? Good to have a few in the back pocket!

Graduate in 3 years, using 1 RS year and 2 eligibility years, which leaves 2 remaining eligibility years. Had he not graduated, he would have to sit out one of his remaining eligibility years and have only 1 year to play (more common scenario).

My guess is that he didn't click with the new staff and decided to transfer because he was in a unique situation to have 2 years to play somewhere

 

[UncleMark]

So I'm liking the idea of using other P5 programs as our feeder system.

 

[HermanB]

Sounds like a good get if we can get him. LC has been a quality program.

 

[Crimson Crush]

So I'm liking the idea of using other P5 programs as our feeder system.

Might as well. Everyone does it. Kirkland was recruited by Inge when in high school. Of course, about 30 odd schools extended offers to the guy, so his suitors will be a long list again.
Oddly enough, Kirkland’s recruiter at UT was Steve Stripling...the same Steve Stripling that was at IU with Coach Mallory for 12 years and then with Debord at Tennessee.

 

[UncleMark]

Might as well. Everyone does it. Kirkland was recruited by Inge when in high school. Of course, about 30 odd schools extended offers to the guy, so his suitors will be a long list again.

Seems to me the whole grad transfer thing is getting more play in football than it used to. Or at least I seem to be hearing about it more. May be simply because IU is getting involved with it.

 

[82hoosier]

So I'm liking the idea of using other P5 programs as our feeder system.

This is infinitely preferable to going the junior college route to find players. The graduate transfers have proven that they can handle an academic load. They are also more mature and more experienced. This is a no-brainer.

 

[cshartle123]

This would be a big time pickup. We need a stud at that position for the next two years. I’m confident with who we have coming up after that.

 

[anon_mya1phvcpf5x4]

Any news of us actually having a chance here?

 

[IndyIUFan66]

I have none but love the bravado of the IU fans now as it sure seems like he "should" be looking at IU now! I know I'm a homer, but I do think IU is on the brink of the Allen Breakthrough. And I like our new LB coach for making the pitch, he speaks both LB and Southern football, and I think he's going to do a great job. (As I also think Inge will on special teams now.)

 

[Crimson Crush]

Graduate in 3 years, using 1 RS year and 2 eligibility years, which leaves 2 remaining eligibility years. Had he not graduated, he would have to sit out one of his remaining eligibility years and have only 1 year to play (more common scenario).

My guess is that he didn't click with the new staff and decided to transfer because he was in a unique situation to have 2 years to play somewhere

It will be interesting to see how Pruitt does at UT. He has had a well-known reputation in the coaching ranks for being outspoken and volatile (he criticized the Vol fans after 65,000 showed up for the 2018 spring game saying “some fans weren’t here and I think they need to look in the mirror and see who we want to be.”)
Shortly after Kirkland’s tweet, Pruitt made a comment not directly about Kirkland but seemed to relate to the announcement: “....to be honest, I think some of the guys are nervous they might not play much...based off competition and unknowns. I’m not worried about how many games you’ve played or where you’re from.”

Some early schools mentioned were UNC due to a coaching tie and Oregon. I’m sure Debord and Sheridan will make contact if they think it’s a fit.

 

[Bodizatfa]

Has decided to remain at Tennessee

 

[anon_mya1phvcpf5x4]

wow, that doesn't happen often.