Deion Sanders says that former Tennessee Vols defensive back Boo Carter is one of the first players that scouts ask about when they visit Colorado’s practices.

That’s not a surprise.

Carter is a polarizing player. He’s oozing with talent, but he transferred to Colorado after he was dismissed from Tennessee’s football team near the end of a tumultuous sophomore season.

The Chattanooga native was sensational as a true freshman and was named to the 2024 SEC All-Freshman Team and the 2025 preseason All-SEC Third-Team.

Carter, though, fell out of favor with teammates after not participating in various offseason activities last year.

Deion Sanders praises Boo Carter’s attitude

Coach Prime was asked about Carter on Friday at Colorado’s fall media day and he was quick to praise Carter’s athleticism and his attitude.

“When scouts come out, he’s one of the first young men they ask about,” said Sanders. “Boo could be a pro this year for certain. But he’s a bonafide top-five pick if it was another year. But this year, I feel like he would be a first-rounder when he puts it all on tape and does what he’s capable of doing.

“I think he’s the best athlete on the team. He could do multiple things. If I wanted to put him on offense, I think he would shine there. But that was our deal — dominate the defensive game, and then we’ll see about that (offense). But the kid, attitude-wise and mentality-wise is A plus. I haven’t had any problems with him whatsoever. And he’s not problematic. He just wants to know you and wants a relationship to understand that you’ve got his back, and I think he knows that from me. We keep it a buck with one another.”

So far, it sounds like Carter is turning things around at Colorado after his tough 2025 season at Tennessee.

“Boo’s a baller,” said Colorado senior defensive back Ben Finneseth earlier this month. “He’s just a misunderstood guy. After spending some time down at Coach Prime’s ranch in Texas — I taught Boo how to fish. We also rode the four wheelers together and shot at the pistol station together. So we spent a lot of time together down there, and I really got to know him. And man, Boo’s a good dude. I love him.

“He’s changed. He really has. Since he got to Colorado, the way he’s bought in, the way he’s surrounded himself with teammates — he’s been a real player’s guy. I’m really proud of Boo and the way that he’s come along and the way he’s continuing to come along. He’s a blessing to have around.”

Earlier this year, Carter’s dad, Terrence Holland, said that Boo tried to make it work at Tennessee, but Colorado is ultimately where he was meant to be.

“It (Colorado) was something that we kind of wanted to do from the start,” said Holland. “But at the same time, we were trying to make that hometown hero. We tried to make that work. We wish Tennessee the best, but it just didn’t work out. And we kind of really ended up where we were supposed to be at.”

Carter will be eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft next spring. He could be one-and-done at Colorado if he has a big season.