Where in the world has this come from? That must be what Tennessee football fans have on their minds with fall camp about a week away for the program. Out of nowhere, there seems to potentially be a concern when it comes to one of the top playmakers on the roster.
That'd be defensive back/wide receiver Boo Carter. Earlier this offseason, there was speculation he could leave Knoxville, with Colorado reportedly looking to bring him in. Carter ended up staying, with it being reported he'd be a two-way standout for the Vols moving forward.
However, rumors have arrived that things aren't going swimmingly for him this summer. According to longtime Knoxville radio host Tony Basilio, the word around town is that UT coaches and players have not been happy with Carter's work ethic leading up to camp, with missed workouts and more being at the center of things:
Tennessee radio host claims Boo Carter hasn't been 'plugged in' this summer
"Quite frankly, he has not been plugged in this summer," Basilio said on Monday night. "In fact he's been borderline unplugged I've been told and the picture that's painted is one where he's missed some workouts, he's come late to some team stuff. You have to understand something about Tennessee's current situation and their current setup. Remember we're back to the fact that Josh Heupel wants to guard his culture. One of the ways he does it is through the power and the magic of his counsel. In any situation we're talking about, you've got to have guys that run a room."
Basilio went on to add that the Tennessee team counsel, which includes tight end Miles Kitselman and EDGE Joshua Josephs, are 'sick of it' when it comes to Carter's mindset leading up to camp and Week 1. Yeah, that's troubling if true.
We'd be remiss not to bring up quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who apparently had one foot out the door for a little while with Tennessee too. Iamaleava ended up leaving for UCLA, with Kirk Herbstreit providing some troubling context to things during a recent podcast appearance.
As for Carter, Basilio claimed he also had one foot in and one foot out with Tennessee back when the portal was open, but he decided to return on an improved NIL deal. However, if he indeed isn't holding up his end of the bargain, could it lead to a tough decision being made? For now, nothing has been confirmed and only Basilio has reported on things. With that said, everyone will now be on Carter watch. Let's hope Heupel clears things up ASAP too to calm people down.