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Volunteers need Darrin Kirkland Jr. to evolve into a defensive leader

It didn’t take middle linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. long to make an impact on Tennessee’s defense.

Kirkland, a four-star recruit from Indianapolis, appeared in all 13 games, making 10 starts as a true freshman in 2015. He didn’t just play, he produced, with 66 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception.

Kirkland earned All-SEC freshman honors and entered his sophomore campaign with high expectations. But he was limited to just eight appearances and six starts because of an ankle injury suffered in a Week 2 win against Virginia Tech.

“I wasn’t extremely healthy,” Kirkland told reporters in December after a Music City Bowl practice.