Talk about a punch to the gut.

The Vols managed to avoid major transfers all offseason despite a change in the regime. But today, former recruit and key defensive player Darrin Kirkland Jr. decided to leave Rocky Top for greener pastures.

Lord please guide me on this journey pic.twitter.com/80WJaxV7Se — Darrin 'DK' Kirkland (@KIRK_Era) May 24, 2018

When healthy, Kirkland Jr. was a key cog for Tennessee’s defense, but you have to wonder if how Jeremy Pruitt and Kevin Sherrer planned to use his talents led to this decision.

At this point, it is unclear as to why he decided to tansfer, but stay tuned. We will have more updates as the story progresses.