After going through full team activities in front of the media for the first time on Tuesday morning, Tennessee football star Boo Carter continued to be a full participant when the team returned to the field on Wednesday.
In the periods of practice open to the media, Carter was dressed out in full pads and went through stretches and drills with the defensive backs. This included work in the tackling and coverage departments.
While Carter was getting limited reps on offense during the spring, he has been solely with the defensive backs in the 15-20 minute periods of practice that are open to the media this fall. That is not to say he doesn’t get work in elsewhere after the practice went behind closed doors, though.
This comes after Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel met with the media to give an update on Carter’s status with the team during team media day ahead of fall camp. He noted that Carter was with the team, but had 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.”
Boo Carter was a full participant in the portion of practice open to the media this morning ⬇️@rockytopinsider | https://t.co/E6x7OVITWI pic.twitter.com/qccfUTuacS
— Ryan Sylvia (@RyanTSylvia) August 6, 2025
More From RTI: The Latest on Tennessee Football’s Battle for Starting Center
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.
