By Tony Thomas
The Lubbock-Cooper Pirates have a rich football tradition that has produced the likes of former Texas Tech and NFL quarterback Davis Webb. That tradition is being carried on by a talented roster that includes 2026 linebacker Kale Kirk.
In 2024, Kirk helped lead the Pirates to an 8-4 record. At 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, Kirk posted 85 total tackles, 57 solo stops, four tackles for loss, one sack, two QB pressures, two forced fumbles and five pass break ups.
Photo courtesy of Angel Kirk
In the Tascosa game, Kirk tackled everybody that was on or near the field of play, recording 15 tackles and earning the Player of the Week honors.
In the game against Lovejoy, Kirk forced a fumble and recovery that preserved victory for the Pirates, and he earned the Bally’s Sports Player of the Game. In addition, Kirk was named second-team All-District.
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With regard to his workouts and training regimen, Kirk trains six days per week:
- 4 days of group football drills
- Lifts weights 5-6 days per week
- 1-2 days with a personal trainer for speed, strength and agility
- 1-2 days speed training with a former Lubbock Christian University track coach
- Yoga, ice baths and cryotherapy to help his body recover
Kirk is a leader on the field and the locker room. He is a coach’s dream in that he will play any position on the field if needed. Kirk’s goal this coming season is to break the school record for tackles in a season. The number to beat is 167, set last season.
Family legacy and genetics often make a good football player, and that is true in Kirk’s case. His grandfather, Kenny Kirk, was a four-year starter at Texas A&M. Joe Kapp, former NFL great and actor who starred in the movie “The Longest Yard” with Burt Reynolds, was a cousin.
Kirk has been a regular invitee on the summer football camp circuit, including the Top Gun Linebacker Camp, where he was named to the All-Camp Team. In addition, Kirk has been invited to the prestigious Navy National Combine two consecutive years.
He also attended the DFW Showcase earlier this month. Kirk will also attend camps at Tarleton State and Abilene Christian in July.
Kirk works hard in the classroom as well and maintains a 3.9 overall GPA, 3.8 in college credit courses. He holds one scholarship offer and is being recruited by Eastern New Mexico, University of Texas-Permian Basin, University of Central Oklahoma and Missouri Western, just to name a few.
Kirk is a powerful defender, knows how to play the position and plays with emotion. Any college in America would be lucky to have him.
The Godfather of Recruiting, Mike Farrell, said this about Kirk:
“2026 verified 3-star LB/S Kale Kirk works off contact, plays physical and is versatile. Always hustling.”
Do you want to be promoted and get your college game film in front of college coaches? DM Mike Farrell on X @mfarrellsports, or email Mike at [email protected].
