Blinksportsnews247Boo Carter, an in-state player from Cleveland, Tennessee’s Bradley Central, was considered one of Tennessee’s top targets in the 2024 class. The former four-star prospect became one of the class’s most sought-after players after becoming a powerful player on both ends of the ball in high school.
Carter’s tenure with the Volunteers began in December when he enrolled early for Tennessee’s bowl practices. Despite his excellence in high school on both sides of the ball, Tennessee native Carter will begin his career on the secondary. Carter stated last month that he was recruited to Tennessee as a defensive back, which is why he is there, even though his “athlete” designation on several recruiting sites indicates otherwise.
Carter is the kind of athlete who can make an impression on the field from either side of the ball, but during Tennessee’s spring training, he has garnered attention in the secondary throughout the first eight practices and two scrimmages.
Tim Banks, a defensive end for Tennessee, stated of Carter early in spring camp, “He’s been good so far.” As a freshman, you understand that it’s a lot, but once more, I believe that having him here early and giving him time to adjust has greatly benefited him. Of course, we’ll watch his progress as we keep adding more to his plate. I’m really excited about him right now. We adore his tenacity, athleticism, and skill level, but we also have similar feelings about many of the young men.
There has been a lot of early switching between positions (cornerback, safety, STAR) as the coaching staff tries to place each player in the spot that best suits their talents and shortcomings. There are seven new defensive backs in the secondary room. Carter was one of the players whom Banks said they had moved around early to determine where he suited in the best.Willie Martinez, the defensive backs coach for Tennessee, stated of Carter last week, “the challenge is to learn everything for Boo.” “Boo is a firecracker; throw him into any drill and he will show up. He has amazing intuition, is swift, and is quite athletic. It’s only a matter of assembling everything into a cohesive whole, understanding it, and being consistent.
Martinez discusses an explosivity that extends beyond performance in front of the coaching staff. Carter’s teammates also noticed right away.
Vols wide receiver Squirrel White said, “Boo Carter,” when asked about the standout DBs he has practiced against. “Boo Carter is unique.” He makes plays out there by flying to the ball, changing our routes, and other such actions. executing skillful tackles. He’s been excellent.
With a good handful of Tennessee’s 2023 secondary and starting talent departing after the season for either the transfer portal or professional football, opportunity is available for those willing to seize the moment. Carter has an uphill battle as a freshman at the safety position but could earn playing time with quality play on the practice field and good progression during the summer.
“When he plays the STAR position, he’s getting us lined up better than he did in the first couple of practices, and he understands now how the tempo is,” Martinez said about Carter.” He hasn’t really panicked, but he’s a very competitive player, wants to win on every play. That’s what you love about him. It’s just trying to slow the process down for him where it’s not happening too fast. It was early, but I think he’s doing a really nice job the last couple practices.”
However, Carter’s skill won’t be confined to the secondary. Carter, who was an offensive standout in high school, has excellent athleticism and has the potential to be a key member of Tennessee’s special teams this season.
In March, Carter told the reporters, “Right now they’ve got me practicing on kick return and punt return,” in reference to using special teams. “But yes, without a doubt.”
Following Tennessee’s first scrimmage, head coach Josh Heupel praised 5-foot-11 safety Carter, noting that he “did a great job of making plays in space.”
This spring, Tennessee’s defensive backs have a plenty of opportunities, and despite being a rookie, Boo Carter seems to be grabbing the eye of coaches and teammates.
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