Jared Kirksey is in his third season with Carolina and first as the director of college scouting. Kirksey joined the Panthers as the East national scout (2021) before becoming the assistant director of college scouting the following year (2022).

Kirksey came to the Panthers with 13 years of NFL scouting experience, including eight seasons with Jacksonville (2013-20), starting as the club's BLESTO scout, before working as a college scout for seven seasons.

Prior to joining the Jaguars, Kirksey spent three seasons (2010-12) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and two with the Houston Texans (2008-09), where he served as the college and pro scouting intern. During his time with the Texans, Kirksey evaluated specialists from all 32 teams, among other duties.

Born in Gainesville, Fla., Kirksey played defensive end at the University of Central Florida. His father, Larry, was a former NFL wide receivers coach for Jacksonville and Houston.