Vols freshman LB Arion Carter reveals if he prefers linebacker or running back
Tennessee Vols true freshman linebacker Arion Carter is viewed as a future defensive superstar for UT. Carter was originally a running back in high school — and a pretty good one at that — before moving to linebacker, which is when his recruitment really took off (Nick Saban and Alabama badly wanted Carter). During his […]
Tennessee Vols true freshman linebacker Arion Carter is viewed as a future defensive superstar for UT.
Carter was originally a running back in high school — and a pretty good one at that — before moving to linebacker, which is when his recruitment really took off (Nick Saban and Alabama badly wanted Carter).
During his career at Smyrna High School, Carter totaled 3,302 all-purpose yards (as a junior, he rushed for 946 yards and 16 touchdowns on 144 carries).
Despite his ability to run the ball, Carter is expected, at some point, to be a player that can be Tennessee's top defensive on-field leader.
Carter, by the way, is all the way bought-in to playing linebacker. In fact, he mentioned during a recent interview that he prefers linebacker because he gets to hit people.
The Tennessee native was asked during an interview on "The Locker Room" if he's a better running back or linebacker.
"I'm a great athlete," said a grinning Carter.
When asked which position is more fun, Carter quickly went with linebacker.
"I like hitting people, so you get the best of both worlds, I like playing linebacker," responded Carter.
Even though he's a true freshman, Carter is expected to play a key role for Tennessee's defense in 2023. The Vols plan to heavily rotate players on defense — so players will have enough energy to play with max effort whenever they're on the field — and Carter is expected to be a big part of the rotation at linebacker behind starters Aaron Beasley and Keenan Pili.
It's been a long time since the Vols have had a player as talented as Carter that they can bring off the bench. That's the type of talent, though, that it takes to win the SEC, which is ultimately Tennessee's goal this fall.
Tennessee shouldn’t forget about Kirby Smart’s haughty gesture at the end of the 2022 season
Tennessee and the rest of the SEC shouldn’t forget about Kirby Smart’s haughty gesture at the end of the 2022 season
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
