3 Tennessee Vols signees that could make an instant impact in 2024
Most of the Tennessee Vols' 2024 recruiting class is in place after Wednesday morning. Tennessee could still make a move or two in February when the second signing period begins, but most of the work is now done for the Vols. UT has the No. 12 recruiting class in the nation according to 247Sports with […]
Most of the Tennessee Vols' 2024 recruiting class is in place after Wednesday morning.
Tennessee could still make a move or two in February when the second signing period begins, but most of the work is now done for the Vols.
UT has the No. 12 recruiting class in the nation according to 247Sports with 21 high school/JuCo additions (the Vols had also added a couple of transfers).
Tennessee is hoping that they won't have to count on any true freshmen to play significant roles in 2024, but are a couple of high school additions that could see plenty of action next fall.
Here are three of the Vols' 2024 signees that could make an instant impact for Tennessee in 2024.
Boo Carter — 4-star defensive back
This feels like the most obvious choice. Tennessee hasn't played a lot of young players in the secondary, but Carter might not leave them much of a choice. The Chattanooga native was heavily recruited by Deion Sanders and Colorado, but the Vols were able to hold on to the coveted recruit. Carter is athletic enough to play on either side of the ball, but the Vols like him at safety for now. Considering Tennessee's issues in the secondary last season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Carter force his way onto the field early. He's participating in Citrus Bowl practices so he has an early jump on learning the defense. Additionally, Carter said recently that his high school ran the "same defense" as Tennessee so he already feels comfortable in the scheme.
Mike Matthews — 5-star Wide Receiver
It can be tough for a true freshman wide receiver to break into the rotation at Tennessee, but Squirrel White showed in 2022 that a true freshman wide receiver can make an impact in Josh Heupel's offense if they put the work in and commit to learning the scheme. Matthews is rated as one of the best recruits in the nation and he's already on campus going through Citrus Bowl practices. By the time next fall rolls around, Matthews will have almost a year of experience at Tennessee. The Vols return White, Kaleb Webb, Chas Nimrod, Dont'e Thornton, and Nathan Leacock as key players at wide receiver. There's plenty of talent there, but Matthews could force his way into the rotation as the highest touted name in that group.
Peyton Lewis — 4-star Running Back
We know that Heupel loves to rotate running backs. He used the three-headed monster of Jaylen Wright, Jabari Small, and Dylan Sampson the last two years. In 2024, with Wright and Small moving on, it will be Sampson that serves as the lead running back with rising sophomore Cam Seldon serving in the de facto No. 2 role. The No. 3 role is up for grabs. Rising sophomore Khalifa Keith has the inside track, but Lewis, the No. 14 overall running back in the 2024 recruiting class, could push for that role. And even if Keith wins that battle, Lewis will only be a snap away from seeing significant action.
Vols insider says it’s not a certainty that Joe Milton will play in the Citrus Bowl
It could be Nico time sooner than we expected
