Get To Know Your Orange Man - #27 Josh Kirkland

Name: Josh Kirkland

Position: Linebacker

Year: Junior

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 204 lbs

Hometown: Paxico, KS

High School: St. Mary's by way of Butler Community College

2012 Stats: 66 total tackles, six sacks, and three forced fumbles in CC

2013 Projections: Kirkland is probably not going to start, but I fully expect him to get some solid playing time this year with Syracuse's strong second linebacker unit, and probably contribute on special teams.

How'd He Get Here?: Shafer sort of found him by accident while watching film on Butler CC, and Eric White helped find and ultimately bring Kirkland to SU.

What'd Scout/Rivals Say?: Two stars all around.

Money Quote:

"The Dome is a little hot," Kirkland said of his first experience playing in front of fans. "But overall, it’s a great time."

Links of Wonder: Michael Cohen on new SU linebackers Kirkland and Luke Arciniega.

Tweets of Wonder: hashtagyerpchirp

Don't fear the reaper! Cya CUSE CUSE off to the shore than the city with my Ross!! #yerpchirp

— Josh kirkland (@captainkirk_47) July 3, 2013

What Does Shafer Think:

"I really got fired up about the kid because he plays the game with unbelievable emotions," Shafer said. "Now, we just have to get him coached up, teach him how to play the game within the framework of our defense and I think we’ll have a good linebacker."

Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Kirkland wasn't going to play football in college, at first. He enrolled at football-less fellow 2013 final four school Wichita State before catching the football itch again and enrolling at Butler.

Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya:

Dan Tortora with Syracuse Orange LB Josh Kirkland (via WakeUpCallDT)

Josh Kirkland Post Spring Game Interview (via Michael McAllister)