Kirk on Sumlin

quote:

---

"When it comes to all the speculation about Coach Sumlin and whatnot, you obviously have to block it out, but I'll personally say that there's not another college football coach that I'd rather play for in the whole entire country," Kirk said. "Coach Sumlin has given so many dudes opportunities to come here and make their dreams come true. I know that's what he did for me.

"He's been the same dude since he came in December [2014] and sat in my living room and told my parents how I was going to be treated and what was going to happen. And everything he said has happened. He stayed true to his word. I can't thank him enough for that. To be able to go to war for a guy like that, it makes it that much more special."

"I know it's hard, him having to hear all the speculation and whatnot, but he still comes to practice smiling," Kirk said. "He's still a player's coach at heart. We just have fun with him all the time. He's the same dude. He's never going to change. Getting him that 50th win is definitely special."

---