Darrin Kirkland listed as Tennessee's starting linebacker

Freshman and former four-star recruit Darrin Kirkland Jr. from Indianapolis is still in the running to take over as the starting middle linebacker for Tennessee.
Freshman and former four-star recruit Darrin Kirkland Jr. from Indianapolis is still in the running to take over as the starting middle linebacker for Tennessee.
photo Freshman and former four-star recruit Darrin Kirkland Jr. from Indianapolis is still in the running to take over as the starting middle linebacker for Tennessee.

KNOXVILLE -- Freshman Darrin Kirkland Jr. is now listed as Tennessee's starting middle linebacker, according to the updated depth chart on the program's official web site.

The Volunteers host Western Carolina on Saturday night at Neyland Stadium.

Colton Jumper, a sophomore walk-on and a former Baylor School standout, started the season's first two games at the position and made six tackles.

Kirkland rotated in on defense in both games and also plays on multiple special teams units. He is a former four-star recruit.

Jumper is listed as the backup to both Kirkland and freshman outside linebacker Austin Smith, who should see more action with Curt Maggitt sidelined for the next 6-10 weeks. Defensive coordinator mentioned Jumper as Smith's backup after Tuesday's practice.

The middle linebacker position was one of the top preseason competitions during the preseason for the Vols, and Jumper edged out Kirkland to win the job.

The two split time nearly evenly in the opener, but Jumper played most of the way against Oklahoma.

Jumper was called for two holding penalties on one of Oklahoma's fourth-quarter touchdown drives as the Sooners rallied from 14 points down to win in double overtime.

Kirkland appears to be in line, though, to be the first freshman to start at linebacker for the Vols since A.J. Johnson and Maggitt did in 2011.

Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.

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