Linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. has decided to remain at Tennessee and plans to finish his career with the Vols, head coach Jeremy Pruitt confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.
Kirkland, who has been plagued by injuries throughout much of his time at Tennessee, announced on Twitter last Thursday that he planned to leave the program as a graduate transfer. But Pruitt told ESPN that he met with Kirkland and his parents over the weekend, and they decided it was best for Kirkland to stay at Tennessee, where he's expected to be a key cog in the Vols' defense if he can stay healthy.