Tennessee LB Kirkland Jr. has rooting interests in Sweet 16

Darrin Kirkland Jr. rushed off the practice field on Thursday night to get in front of a television.

The Tennessee junior linebacker had a vested interest in watching the NCAA Tournament beyond just enjoying basketball. Kirkland’s cousin and a close childhood friend were both playing in the Sweet 16.

Kirkland’s cousin, Zak Irvin, is a senior guard at Michigan. The Wolverines played Oregon on Thursday night in the opening session of games.

Kirkland’s childhood friend, Trevon Bluiett, is a junior guard at Xavier. The Musketeers played Arizona on Thursday night in a late game.

“It’s awesome to see them in the Sweet 16,” Kirkland said. “I am very proud of Zak. It’s his senior year so I really want the best for him.”

Kirkland and Bluiett grew up together in the Indianapolis area.

“It’s a basketball city. We got a lot of guys there in the tournament,” said Kirkland, who played basketball at Lawrence Central High. “Trevon has really done awesome. I talk to him a lot. He’s excited about how they’ve done.”

Irvin and his Michigan teammates received a major scare when their plane aborted takeoff and skidded off the runway as they were heading to the Big Ten tournament. After the traumatic ordeal, the Wolverines embarked on a run to the Big Ten tournament title.

“That was unbelievable. I really think that is what loosened them up almost,” Kirkland said. “They had to play their first game in practice jerseys. I guess they needed that experience to kind of wake them up and come out on top. It’s been fun to watch.”