Change of heart? One report says Darrin Kirkland Jr. could remain at Tennessee

Last week, LB Darrin Kirkland Jr. announced he was going to be leaving the Tennessee Volunteers program and exploring transfer options.

However, that may be a false alarm, as one report says Kirkland is now expected to remain with the team for the 2018 season.

Tennessee insider John Brice reports that an announcement could be made on Kirkland’s status during the SEC meetings this week:

Would expect formal announcement this week @SEC meetings in Destin, but was told late last night Darrin Kirkland Jr., with his family, met w/ Pruitt & is likely to remain @ UT

— John Brice (@JohnDBrice1) May 28, 2018

Obviously, keeping Kirkland would be big for coach Jeremy Pruitt’s defense, even if he has had trouble staying healthy in recent years.

Nothing is final yet, but Vol fans will now be anxiously watching for the news about Kirkland’s status this week.