So, Boo Carter is sticking around in Knoxville, and Tennessee fans have every reason to celebrate. This guy was already a force to be reckoned with on defense during his freshman year, but now, as the Vols enter 2025, the word is out—he’s going to be taking some offensive snaps too. That’s right, the same Boo Carter who wowed everyone at Bradley Central High School as both a receiver and a safety might finally be showing off his skills on both sides of the ball.
Let’s rewind for a second. Carter, a former four-star recruit ranked as the No. 4 athlete in the 2024 class, spent his freshman season playing in the secondary at the STAR position. He started four games, played significant snaps in nearly all of them, and even flashed some of that high school magic as a punt returner. But here’s the kicker—Carter apparently let the coaching staff know he wanted to play on both sides of the ball in his second season. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to see that?
The timing couldn’t be better (or worse, depending on your perspective). Tennessee’s receiving corps has taken a massive hit over the past month. Six—count ’em, six—of their eight scholarship receivers hit the transfer portal, leaving just Chris Brazzell and Braylon Staley as returners. If that doesn’t scream “emergency,” I don’t know what does. And while Carter is naturally a slot receiver (which happens to overlap with Staley’s position), his explosiveness makes him too valuable to keep off the field.
The Travis Hunter Comparison—Sort Of
Now, before we all start dreaming about Boo Carter pulling a Travis Hunter and playing nearly every snap of every game, let’s pump the brakes. Hunter is a unicorn, and expecting Carter—or anyone, for that matter—to replicate that is a tall order. But Carter’s versatility gives Tennessee something few teams have: a legitimate two-way threat who can make a difference whether he’s intercepting passes or catching them.
The real question is how the Vols will balance his workload. Do they give him a full slate of offensive snaps? Keep him primarily on defense but throw him into key offensive situations? It’s not an easy decision, but it’s one that could pay off in spades if managed correctly.
Why Carter’s Offensive Role Matters
Tennessee’s offense needs a spark, plain and simple. Losing six receivers in one month leaves a gaping hole, and Carter’s skillset could help plug it. During his high school career, he was electric with the ball in his hands, and his punt return flashes as a freshman proved he can handle pressure moments. Plus, having someone who can break a game wide open on either side of the ball? That’s a luxury most teams can only dream about.
Spring practice and fall camp will be telling. If Tennessee brings in more receivers through the transfer portal, it could impact how much Carter is used on offense. But for now, his offensive snaps feel like a no-brainer. The Vols need him there, and frankly, fans probably do too.
The Bigger Picture
Boo Carter’s sophomore season could redefine his role—and Tennessee’s season. Whether he’s catching touchdowns, locking down receivers, or flipping fields on special teams, his presence adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the Vols’ game plan.
And hey, if this whole two-way thing works out, don’t be surprised if Carter becomes the poster child for what college athletes can do when they push the boundaries of their potential.
So, buckle up, Vols fans. 2025 is shaping up to be one heck of a ride.
P.S.
Do you think Carter will make a bigger impact on offense or defense this year? Hit me up—I’m all ears.
P.P.S.
Anyone else already planning their “Boo-lieve” signs for the first home game? Just me? Cool.
