Darrin Kirkland Jr. to Tennessee: Volunteers Land 4-Star LB Prospect

Linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. has officially committed to attend Tennessee after making his announcement Monday afternoon. Kirkland is a 4-star prospect in the Class of 2015, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports reported the news of Kirkland's decision:

Kirkland attends Lawrence Central in Indianapolis and has been a heralded recruit by multiple Division I programs. Florida, USC and Mississippi State were among the programs he turned down in favor of Tennessee.

Part of what makes Kirkland special is speed and intelligence on the field. Lawrence Central head coach Jed Richman spoke about both abilities for Kirkland, via Wiltfong:

"

He was able to flip a switch, that I haven’t seen around many high school players. The speed he played with, he was moving faster than opposing offenses, he knew what they were going to do before they did, and often times he’d overrun plays because he was there before they were there.

He was at an absolutely different level on Friday nights as far as speed, intensity, tempo, the way he hit. He really hit through guys.

"

247Sports

Prior to his announcement, Kirkland had initially committed to play for Michigan. However, he decided to decommit from the Wolverines and ultimately decided to play for the Volunteers. 

The decision was part of a mass exodus for some of Michigan's top recruits, as Tom VanHaaren of ESPN.com notes:

Bringing in a player of Kirkland's caliber instantly boosts Tennessee's already solid recruiting class. He might not make an instant impact on defense, but he clearly has the talent to be a difference-maker during his tenure.

The program appears to be on the right track under head coach Butch Jones, and Kirkland's commitment helps make this year's class a special one. With his combination of size and speed, look for Kirkland to help the Vols become a contender in the SEC East.  

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