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.