8. Darrin Kirkland Jr.
Darrin Kirkland Jr. was a highly-rated inside linebacker coming out of high school. He was a four-star recruit and top 200 overall player in the country by all services in the 2015 clas. And thus far, he’s living up to those expectations.
He didn’t start out as the starter at middle linebacker for the Vols, but Kirkland played in all 13 games and started the last 10. He finished with 66 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and an interception as a freshman. He showed flashes of brilliance at times as a freshman, wreaking havoc all over the field on defense.
Kirkland has positioned himself as a mainstay on Tennessee’s defense for the next couple seasons. He could really make a move up this list if he lives up to the potential coaches see in him.
