KNOXVILLE — Tennessee's defense is losing one of its most experienced pieces.
Soon-to-be redshirt junior linebacker Darrin Kirkand Jr. announced Thursday via Twitter that he will forgo his final two seasons as a Vol, and finish out his career as a graduate transfer at another university.
“For The last 3 years The University of Tennessee has been my home,” Kirkland's message on Twitter read. “After much prayer, thought, and consideration about what my future holds. I have decided to use my last 2 years of eligibility as a graduate transfer to another university to pursue my graduate degree while playing football.