Tennessee football freshman receiving high praise in spring practice

Boo Carter might be a true freshman and only a few months into his college football career but Tennessee football coaches are praising his performance so far.

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel with defensive backs Boo Carter (23) and Jakobe Thomas (30) during
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel with defensive backs Boo Carter (23) and Jakobe Thomas (30) during / Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA
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Josh Heupel is entering his fourth season as Tennessee football's head coach. The defensive secondary has struggled in the first three seasons of his tenure. Heupel is looking to change that with additions to the recruiting trail and the transfer portal. 

One big addition Heupel made to the secondary is true Freshman Boo Carter, who enrolled early to go through his first college Spring camp. This has proven to be very beneficial for all involved as Carter has had the opportunity to learn the defense early, while Tennessee gets a closer look at the player they're getting in Carter. 

It seems like neither side is disappointed so far. Carter has impressed to the point where he might just earn an opportunity to get a spot in the secondary's rotation this Fall. DB Coach Willie Martinez and Special Teams Coordinator Mike Ekeler have been praising Carter over the past week ahead of the 2024 Orange & White Game.

Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White also had some high praise for Carter, calling him a special already in his short time on Rocky Top. "Boo Carter is special. He's like a playmaker out there flying to the ball. Rerouting us and stuff like that. Making good tackles."

Carter won't be the only freshman looking to impress the coaches and Vol Nation on Saturday. The Vols have a handful of first-year players looking to make an impact this year, starting with the Orange & White Game. 

Tennessee's annual Orange & White Game will take place on Saturday, April 13, at 1 PM ET. The capacity will be limited to 10,000 fans. Still, the university will have Vol Village open so that everyone can enjoy the Spring game and the Tennessee vs. LSU baseball game on Saturday night.