Tennessee football star Boo Carter returned to the practice field as a full participant in the periods open to the media on Tuesday morning.
In the previous four practices, Carter went through stretches before going to the side to do individual work. In the fifth practice of the fall camp session, Carter was a full participant in team activities alongside fellow defensive backs.
Carter was in shells with the rest of the team, donning a helmet and shoulder pads. The portion open to the media featured him primarily working on man coverage with other defensive backs.
This comes nearly a week after head coach Josh Heupel met with the media to give an update on Carter’s status with the team. He noted that Carter is with the team, but has work to do to get back on the field as a full participant.
“Boo is a part of our team here,” Heupel said. “There’s some things that he’s got to accomplish to get back on the field with us. And don’t have a set timeline on that. Our leadership council has been a part of those things, those discussions with me and with Boo. I’m proud of what they’ve done. They care and love Boo and want him to be his best, too.”
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Expectations are high for Carter entering his sophomore season at Tennessee. Carter totaled 38 tackles, one sack and one interception while starting five games at the STAR spot for Tennessee as a true freshman.
Carter also flashed as a punt returner late in his freshman season, totaling 198 return yards on 12 attempts. The Chattanooga native earned Freshman All-SEC honors last season and was a Preseason Third Team All-SEC selection from the league’s media.
Carter flirted with entering the transfer portal back in December after his freshman season, bargaining for the ability to play on both sides of the field and earning a significant payday in the process. With Tennessee low on proven receivers and Carter’s clear talent with the ball in his hands, the sophomore could earn touches on offense this season.
While Carter’s offensive role is still uncertain for the 2025 season, his defensive role is certain. Carter will likely be Tennessee’s starting STAR if he’s able to get ready before the start of the season.
Tennessee football officially began preseason practice on Wednesday and opens up its 2025 season against Syracuse in Atlanta on Aug. 30.
