Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee poised to start two true freshman linebackers this weekend

Published Sep. 17, 2015 2:19 p.m. ET

foxsports

Tennessee defensive coordinator John Jancek had already stated that true freshman Austin Smith is likely to start at outside linebacker in Curt Maggitt's absence and now fellow freshman Darrin Kirkland is listed as the team's starter at middle linebacker against Western Carolina.

Kirkland will be making his first career start as Colton Jumper slides into a reserve role. Jumper missed a few key assignments against Oklahoma that would have ended Sooner drives in the second half of last week's game.

Breaking in the freshmen at home against Western Carolina should ease their transition for conference play, as Tennessee opens SEC play next week on the road at Florida.

Kirkland came to Tennessee ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 5 rated inside linebacker in the naton, according to 247Sports.

In a game that should an easy win for the Vols, keep an eye on the linebacking corp and how they adjust with two new, inexperienced starters Saturday.