University of Tennessee Athletics
Five Questions With Darrin Kirkland Jr.
October 07, 2015 | Football
By Brian Rice
UTSports.com
Darrin Kirkland Jr. has gotten off to a hot start in his Tennessee career, starting two of his first five game as a Vol with 21 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and 2.0 sacks.
Kirkland picked up his first sack in the first game of his career against Bowling Green. He made his first start against Western Carolina and recorded a career-best seven tackles in his second start against Arkansas.
The native of Indianapolis, Ind. is first in the “Five Questions” hot seat this season.
1. How were you able to pry 34 from fellow linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin?
A: When I was on my official visit, Coach Jones told me I probably wouldn’t be able to wear 34 because a player on defense already had it. I was pretty bummed about that. But Jalen told me he made plays in 34 and it carried a lot of responsibility, being passed down from Herman Lathers, it meant a lot to him. He said if given the opportunity, I would have to make plays, but he would change to 21.
34 is a number I’ve had ever since I’ve started playing football. It’s been a part of me my whole football career. I probably wouldn’t feel right not wearing 34. When Jalen gave me the option, I was grateful.
2. What was your “Welcome to Tennessee” moment and what has been the biggest adjustment?
A: When we ran through the ‘T’ before the Bowling Green game in Nashville. That was the surreal moment where we were actually playing football.
The biggest adjustment has been discipline. Discipline in everything, from school to football, just learning to be on my own.
I’m getting better and better every week, just getting more disciplined with my technique, my eye discipline. I’ve really just grown every week and am making the plays when they come my way.
3. You’re majoring in finance, what led you to pursue that?
A: When I was deciding to come to college and what school I wanted to attend, I knew I liked one thing and that’s money. I wanted to learn how to manage money and how to work with money. I’d like to become a lawyer if football things don’t work out.
If football is my career, I want to learn how to manage my money so I’m never in a situation where I’m broke. I want to learn how to invest and manage my money the right way.
You have to be different. This is a very competitive business world. When you get down to choosing major, you want to be different so you can be successful.
4. Who is your favorite superhero?
A: Batman. He’s a normal rich guy that goes out at night in his nice car and fights crime. He didn’t need any super powers, he made himself into a superhero. He’s a self-made man.
5. What is something that people may not know about you?
A: Probably that my biggest hobby is music. I listen to all different types of music, country, rock, all types. I keep my iPod on shuffle, so there are 3,000 songs that will come up. If I’m not feeling something, I’ll just skip it.
My go-to song right now is “What a Time to be Alive” by Drake and Future.
