Tennessee player included on list of must-watch true freshmen in 2024, but he's ranked way too low
Tennessee Vols true freshman defensive back Boo Carter was included on 247Sports' recent list of "must-watch true freshmen" in 2024, but he was ranked way too low. Carter, a former four-star recruit, is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 15 must-watch true freshman ahead of the 2024 season. From 247Sports: By all accounts, Tennessee has […]
Tennessee Vols true freshman defensive back Boo Carter was included on 247Sports' recent list of "must-watch true freshmen" in 2024, but he was ranked way too low.
Carter, a former four-star recruit, is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 15 must-watch true freshman ahead of the 2024 season.
From 247Sports: By all accounts, Tennessee has a slam dunk with Boo Carter in the secondary. He's part of a revised back end of the Vols' defense that will look brand-new in 2024. A versatile player, Carter performed mostly at the nickel spot this spring and already has a spot within Tennessee's two-deep defensively. Not only was he evaluated well by Tennessee's coaching staff, but Carter is already a commodity the Vols sorely needed in helping defend the pass.
These lists are obviously subjective, but it feels like Carter should be ranked higher than No. 15.
Carter is the type of true freshman that might be impossible to keep off the field this fall. Tennessee would probably prefer to go with more experienced options in the secondary to start the season (and they likely will), but it seems inevitable that Carter will get a chance to make an impact in 2024 — especially after listening to the way some of Tennessee coaches talked about him earlier this spring.
“The challenge is to learn everything for Boo," said Vols defensive back coach Willie Martinez in April. "Boo is explosive. Boo, you put him in any kind of drill and he’s going to show up. He’s so athletic. He’s quick. He’s got great instincts. It’s just the part of putting it all together in the package. Learning it and being consistent. Again, he has really done a nice job the last couple of practices. It’s really kind of slowed down for him. You can see it.
“Obviously when he plays the star position, he is getting us lined up better than he did in the first couple of practices. And he understands now how the tempo is. He hasn’t really panicked, but he’s a very competitive player, [he] wants to win on every play. That’s what you love about it. It’s just trying to slow the process down for him as far as where it’s not happening too fast for him. It was early, but I think he’s doing a really nice job the last couple of practices.”
Vols linebackers coach/special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler echoed those sentiments when asked about Carter a few days later.
"I’ve been other places and in this conference, too, where we had a true freshman back there and he was an All-American," said Ekeler. "So I don’t bat an eye and if they’re ready, they’re ready. And Boo Carter, I’m not saying he’s the guy, but he’s in that competition. And Boo Carter, he don’t care if he’s in front of 102,000, he don’t care if he’s in front of five people, he’s Boo and he’s so locked in and focused on what he does. He’s just a great football player. Regardless if he’s our returner this year, he can play a ton of ball around here. Absolutely love that guy. He’s just a great football player."
Carter can play in the secondary, return kicks/punts, and he can be a weapon on the offensive side of the ball (though it's yet to be determined how/if he'll be used on offense).
The Tennessee native could be one of the most exciting players (overall) to watch in the SEC this season. And that's why he deserved to be ranked a bit higher on this list.
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