'The guys see it and it’s showing up on the field' – Tennessee sophomore could be one of college football's biggest stars in 2025
The Tennessee Vols have one of college football's biggest potential non-quarterback stars in 2025 on their roster. Vols sophomore defensive back Boo Carter, a former four-star recruit, is going to see some time on offense for Tennessee in 2025. Carter isn't expected to play nearly every snap on both sides of the ball like former […]
The Tennessee Vols have one of college football's biggest potential non-quarterback stars in 2025 on their roster.
Vols sophomore defensive back Boo Carter, a former four-star recruit, is going to see some time on offense for Tennessee in 2025.
Carter isn't expected to play nearly every snap on both sides of the ball like former Colorado Buffaloes standout Travis Hunter, but he is still likely to see significant action on offense.
But while the attention may be on what Carter can bring to the team offensively in 2025, he's also taking a major step forward defensively this offseason.
"He’s grown so much," said Vols defensive backs coach Willie Martinez on Thursday when asked about Carter. "He is watching a lot more film on his own. He comes in, he’s in the building longer. He’s in there early, he’s leaving late. You can see it. The guys see it and it’s showing up on the field. He made a couple of really good plays today where he wouldn’t have clicked it off (before).
"We’re giving him more on defense. We’re giving him more responsibility where he has to set our defense, man. He’s the guy on our defense that’s just like the quarterback on offense. He’s got to get the alignments set, he’s got to make the checks and he’s very confident. But I think he’s putting a lot more work in off the field [and] that’s really helping him.”
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel also praised Carter this week for the way he's improved on the defensive side of the ball.
"Boo has done a really good job on the defensive side of the ball," said Heupel earlier this week. "You saw him as a punt returner, [he's] electric with the ball in his hands. We’ve experimented with him on the offensive side of the football as well and he’s handled it really well up until this point."
There's a solid chance that Carter will make a big impact on the offensive side of the ball in 2025. There's no doubt that he's electric with the ball in his hands, and it wouldn't be a surprise he makes some highlight reel plays this fall while playing at wide receiver.
But Carter's biggest impact is still likely to come on the defensive side of the ball. And it sounds like he's made some significant defensive improvements this offseason despite having some offensive duties added to his plate.
Former Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White said it best last season — Boo Carter is special. And the whole sport will likely see that first hand in 2025.
