Arion Carter has had a busy week, including a trip to Atlanta for SEC Media Days on Tuesday and a trip to Jackson, Tennessee, on Wednesday for the annual "A Night of Champions" event, which invites top Tennessee athletes to speak in front of crowds throughout West Tennessee.
Carter is a rising Junior and has become one of Tennessee's most valuable players on defense. He has played in 21 games in his first two seasons in college football, totaling 85 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and one interception.
His rise in leadership and as one of Tennessee's top defenders heading into the 2025 season has brought attention, leading to his appearances at SEC Media Days and A Night of Champions.
Carter discussed several topics at the event, including his football journey, his faith, his family, and his thoughts on this year's Tennessee team.
"We have a lot of new faces, a lot of newcomers, and a lot of new freshmen that have a lot of talent and can play day one," Carter said. "We have a very strong cultural offensive and defensive team, I feel like all three faces of the game compliment each other and I feel like we've been closer than ever.
"The biggest thing I would say is our team chemistry, that's big. That is something I have been taking advantage of with my college coaches and teammates."
That is a big compliment to this year's team. As Carter noted, there are a lot of new faces in key positions this year, especially in the trenches. One significant reason for the potential improvement in chemistry could be the fallout with Nico Iamaleava in the spring.
Josh Heupel made it clear that no one person is bigger than the team. There were reports that his decision to cut ties with Nico won over some players in the locker room who were unhappy with Nico's antics.
That sentiment seems to continue throughout the Vols' locker room as returning players and new players have come together as one team, even before we hit Fall camp.
Not only is Tennessee in a good spot, but a better spot with team chemistry after a lot of turnover, which says something special about the group of guys Heupel has brought to Rocky Top.
The Vols are counting the days until the season kicks off. Tennessee will immediately be tested in its opening game with a P4 matchup with Syracuse in Atlanta.