Tennessee Vols player named a 'true freshman to watch' in 2023
A Tennessee Vols player was named one of 23 "true freshmen to watch" this week by 247Sports. And no, the player isn't true freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the former five-star recruit who was the top-rated player in Tennessee's 2023 recruiting class. The Vols are hoping that Joe Milton is a dominant starting quarterback in 2023 […]
A Tennessee Vols player was named one of 23 "true freshmen to watch" this week by 247Sports.
And no, the player isn't true freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the former five-star recruit who was the top-rated player in Tennessee's 2023 recruiting class. The Vols are hoping that Joe Milton is a dominant starting quarterback in 2023 and Nico doesn't see the field until 2024 (except for maybe some garbage time action).
Instead, 247Sports listed linebacker Arion Carter as a true freshman to watch in 2023.
From 247Sports: You had a feeling when Carter picked Tennessee over Alabama, the talented linebacker would have a chance to crack the Vols' projected two-deep as a freshman and that's the case. Per GoVols247, Carter won the Mr. Football Award in Tennessee’s highest classification last fall as the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year after a remarkable two-way senior season — 92 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, five passes defended, three forced fumbles and one interception at linebacker along with 1,184 yards rushing and 19 scores. Given Tennessee's youth movement at linebacker following heavy production losses, Carter plays the one position in Knoxville where an early impact is needed the most.
Carter won't be a starter at the beginning of the season — Aaron Beasley and BYU transfer Keenan Pili will likely be holding things down at the linebacker positions — but the Tennessee native should still see significant playing time as a true freshman.
And who knows, maybe he forces his way onto the field for the Vols in 2023. Carter has the type of talent that can force a coach's hand when it comes to playing time.
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
