Tennessee
Veteran Tennessee leaders high on freshman Boo Carter
We haven’t seen too many impact freshmen during the Josh Heupel era at Tennessee, but that could change this year. Boo Carter wasn’t the highest ranked player in Tennessee’s class of 2024, however his play-making ability might just be immediately put to use in the Vols’ rebuilt secondary.
The four-star athlete was a two-way player in high school, winning the Mr. Football award as a senior. He could have landed on either side of the ball at this level too, but Tennessee has a more immediate need on the defensive side of the ball. The Vols saw their entire starting secondary — and plenty of veteran depth — exit the program. That’s going to open the door for someone like Carter to find some early playing time.
“Oh, man, I’m not sure how he’ll be used, but a special player, really athletic,” Tennessee center Cooper Mays said during SEC Media Days. “You said you’re from Chattanooga. I’m sure you’re familiar. You’ve watched him. Super athletic kid. Cool kid too. Really easy to get along with, fits right in. I’m not sure how we’ll use him, but you’ve got to find ways to use somebody like that, you know.”
Carter ended up finishing ranked 149th overall in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports. The 5-11, 195 pounder was dynamic in all phases for Bradley Central High School near Chattanooga. Now in Knoxville, it’s up to the staff to figure out where to play him.
“The way he moves — he moves really well and makes some plays, his frame. You can tell by how he carries himself he loves football, and you can tell he cares,” Tennessee linebacker Keenan Pili said. “But I’d say most importantly those talents that he carries. The sky’s the limit for him as he goes on throughout his career.”
Though Carter only just arrived this offseason, he’s made a big impression throughout the spring and summer periods.
“I feel like Boo has come in with a mindset as a young guy wanting to learn, wanting to be great, wanting to actually be on that field this year, his freshman year, and you see that in a guy who’s putting in the extra work, looking up to older guys and is always hanging out with older guys just trying to learn the way fast so he’s able to be on the field and help us,” Omari Thomas told reporters. “He’s a great athlete. He’s going to make a bunch of plays for us, so it’s great to see a guy like Boo doing that.”
So where will he end up playing? Tennessee’s cornerback depth chart seems fairly set but the safety spot and STAR position are very much up in the air. The Vols brought in safety Jakobe Thomas from MTSU, while Andre Turrentine should push for the other safety position. Jourdan Thomas handled STAR responsibilities late last season and should return as the likely starter there this fall. After that though? Carter could likely man any of those three positions.
How quickly can he earn the trust of the staff? That will be the key here. He’ll likely see plenty of time on special teams to start, but I’ll be interested to see how long it takes him to find the field.
Tennessee
Tennessee Senate passes ‘CVS bill,’ reshapes pharmacy business as CVS threatens closures
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A bill moving through the Tennessee Legislature could reshape how pharmacies do business in the state, with CVS warning it could lead to widespread store closures.
The Tennessee Senate has passed legislation that would change the way pharmacies can operate. The proposal has been dubbed “the CVS bill” because it directly impacts the drugstore chain.
Under the bill, drugstores would no longer be allowed to negotiate prices directly with insurance providers or government programs. Instead, a third party would be required to step in.
The bill is now under debate in the House. CVS says the change would force more than 100 of its pharmacies to close across Tennessee, but lawmakers disagree.
Tennessee
Three NFL Draft Fits for Tennessee Football Cornerback Jermod McCoy
Tennessee football star Jermod McCoy is the player who will likely hear his name called first from the Tennessee program in the upcoming NFL Draft. There are many teams he would fit well, but these three teams are the teams I believe he is the best fit with at this moment.
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are in need of a cornerback in the draft class, and they are likely to spend one of their first two picks on one. They are selecting at No. 12 and No. 20 in the draft as of now, and McCoy could hear his name called. He would be joining a decent group of cornerbacks, but he would be an immediate starter, likely alongside a later selection that they make with a cornerback.
It would be shocking if the Cowboys pass on him if they select at 12 and he is still on the board. McCoy would be an immediate starter and would be someone who could shut down a whole side of the field for the Cowboys early in his career.
2. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins is one of the better fits for Jermod McCoy, and it would make the most sense, as the Dolphins could use almost every position after a major haul of their players. They are in a major rebuilding phase and drafting at No. 11 leaves many to believe that McCoy could be in play.
McCoy would likely be their No. 1 cornerbakc the day he got to the franchise, and would have the chance to dominate the way he did in his one season on the field with the Vols. This selection would depend on who drops out of the first ten selections. If he is one of the better players remaining (highly likely) he very well could hear his name called at pick 11.
3. New York Jets
The New York Jets have the chance to be very good when it comes to the draft, as they are drafting at both No. 2 and No. 16. I believe they will be looking to get a cornerback with their No. 16 pick, which would make a lot of sense considering they had to get rid of Sauce Gardner.
McCoy would be the perfect replacement, as they could find themselves in one of the better situations on the defensive side of the football. He can shutdown a side of the field, and I would bet that he would be a great fit with the Jets because of that exactly.
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Tennessee
Nashville Sounds and Autism Tennessee partner to host inclusive Beyond the Label Day for local children
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — At a ballpark built for noise, there is space for something quieter.
During the Nashville Sounds’ “Beyond the Label Day,” kids are learning, playing and experiencing baseball in a way that works for them. Autism Tennessee volunteers stepped in to guide kids through sensory play designed to calm and focus.
From spinning toys to textured fidgets, these tools help turn overwhelming moments into manageable ones. Children engaged with the activities, pointing out shapes like a circle, noticing items like candies, and expressing how nice the experience was.
Adam English, general manager of the Nashville Sounds, said making space for everyone is the goal, even as the stadium announcer calls another Sounds strikeout.
“It’s important for us to raise awareness about autism, but also just make sure that First Horizon Park is an inclusive place for everybody” English said.
The Sounds stadium even has a sensory room for families at every game.
“There’s huge baseball fans that sometimes shy away because of loud crowds and we want to make sure every game out here available” English said.
For Autism Tennessee leaders like Jessica Moore, days like this are about more than awareness. They are about belonging.
“Typically events like this can be super overwhelming… so this is just a way for people to feel like they can come and still be successful” Moore said.
What are your thoughts on making sports venues more inclusive for all fans? Watch the video to see the sensory room in action, and share your experiences with me at kim.rafferty@NewsChannel5.com.
In this article, we used artificial intelligence to help us convert a video news report originally written by Kim Rafferty. When using this tool, both Kim Rafferty and the NewsChannel 5 editorial team verified all the facts in the article to make sure it is fair and accurate before we published it. We care about your trust in us and where you get your news, and using this tool allows us to convert our news coverage into different formats so we can quickly reach you where you like to consume information. It also lets our journalists spend more time looking into your story ideas, listening to you and digging into the stories that matter.
Checking in on Cole: Gallatin rallies around teen battling brain tumor with prayer vigil
Austin Pollack brings us an update on a remarkable young man facing great odds, and his family has one simple request: pray for Cole. I believe in the power of prayer and hope you’ll join me in lifting up Cole and his family.
– Carrie Sharp
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