Former Michigan State safety A.J. Kirk finds new home
Former Michigan State redshirt sophomore safety A.J. Kirk has transferred to Jones College, the Columbus, Ohio, native announced via his Twitter account on May 28. Kirk entered the transfer portal on April 20.
“First off I would like to thank Coach (Tucker) and Coach Barnett for giving me this wonderful opportunity to compete here at Michigan State,” Kirk said after he entered the portal. “I would also like to thank all of the coaching staff as well as strength staff.”
Located in Ellisville, Miss., Jones College competes in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC). The Bobcats completed the 2022 season with an 8-2 record, losing to Northwest Mississippi Community College, 38-35, in the MACCC Playoffs.
Kirk was a part of Michigan State’s 2021 recruiting class. The three-star safety was ranked the No. 598 recruit in the nation, according to the 2021 On3 Industry Rankings. Kirk was also ranked the No. 50 safety prospect and the No. 21 prospect in Ohio.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound defensive back redshirted his freshman season in 2021. Kirk did not see any game action during his sophomore season for the Spartans in 2022.
Kirk is the younger brother of former Ohio State standout defensive back Mike Doss. The three-time All-American was coached by current Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker during his time in Columbus. Tucker coached defensive backs at Ohio State from 2001-03 before being promoted to co-defensive coordinator prior to the 2004 season.
Doss, who was the Big Ten co-defensive player of the year in 2002, help lead the Buckeyes to a BCS National Championship Game victory that year.
Doss was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He spent six seasons in the NFL and won Super Bowl XLI with the Colts.
