Dale Carter arrived in 1990, as Johnny Majors found him in junior college. But in just two years as a starter, he became one of Tennessee football’s most prolific cornerbacks and return specialists. Those two years were all he needed to become one of the greatest players not just to play for Majors but to ever play for the Vols.
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The breakout game for Carter came in 1990 against the Florida Gators. That game, UT was holding onto a 7-3 lead at halftime. However, Carter returned the opening kickoff in the second half for a touchdown. He also had two interceptions and broke the game open, leading the Vols to a 45-3 victory in their first matchup with Florida under Steve Spurrier.
As a junior, he had five interceptions, a kickoff return for a touchdown and averaged over 13 yards per punt return. He continued his production the next year, forcing and recovering a fumble, coming away with four interceptions and remaining a weapon on special teams. Because of this, Carter was an All-American both years he played on Rocky Top and never stopped being elite.
That’s an incredible accomplishment, and Carter was central to the Vols winning their second straight SEC Championship in 1990. He also had the interception that set up the game-wining touchdown in the Miracle at South Bend in 1991. With his son, Nigel Warrior, just completing his career on Rocky Top, he has left a legacy as well that will be hard for many people to top.