The Tennessee Vols have several true freshmen who could make an impact in 2023. 

Quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the five-star phenom who was the centerpiece of the Vols' 2023 recruiting class, is the true freshman that's receiving the most attention during spring practice. 

But if everything goes to plan, he won't make a big impact for Tennessee until 2024 (the hope is that Joe Milton develops into a superstar quarterback in 2023). 

247Sports recently put out a list of true freshmen for each top 25 program that could make a big impact in 2023. 

And they chose true freshman linebacker Arion Carter for the Vols. 

From 247Sports: Tennessee's addition of former BYU linebacker Keenan Pili out of the transfer portal might have complicated Carter's path to a significant role in his first year with the Vols. But if anyone is capable of playing his way into the lineup as a true freshman, it's probably the Top247 linebacker from Smyrna (Tenn.) High School, who picked Tennessee over Alabama on Dec. 14. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Carter joined the Vols last month for some of their bowl practices, and the early start to his college career should give him a more realistic shot at playing his way into Tennessee's linebacker rotation right away. He’s an intelligent player and a diligent worker with plenty of natural ability, and with the Vols looking to replace outgoing veterans Jeremy Banks and Juwan Mitchell, Carter easily could earn some early playing time if he can prove that he’s ready.

Tennessee is actually in good shape at linebacker — they finally have SEC quality depth. 

BYU transfer Keenan Pili and redshirt senior Aaron Beasley should be the Vols' top two options at linebacker. 

Carter, however, won't be far behind. 

Tennessee linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary said earlier this offseason that he'll play the best players this fall — it doesn't matter if it's a freshman or a senior. 

"If you're mature enough and you can execute at a high level and help us go win the SEC you are going to be able to play," said Jean-Mary. "The freshman part doesn't mean anything to us. There are guys that are juniors, if they can't play at a certain standard, we should be to the point they shouldn't be on the field."

As for Carter specifically, Jean-Mary likes his abilities as a playmaker. 

"On the field, he's been dynamic…not always in the right spot but has that innate ability to make plays and that's why he was a high-level recruit," explained Jean-Mary. "That's why we feel like he's trending to be a contributor for us next year."

It sounds like Carter should have a chance this fall to show why he was such a highly touted recruit.