Coming out of high school, Kirklin switched positions from quarterback to defensive back.

In 2019, he played in 14 games catching 2 passes for 75 yards where he was a part of the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship team.

[1] On January 5, 2022, Kirklin started at quarterback for the 2022 Texas Bowl vs Kansas State where they lost 42–20.

After a chest injury in Week 5, Kirklin would miss the rest of the 2023 XFL season.

[12] On January 19, 2024, Kirklin signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL).