After a strong freshman campaign, the expectation was for Boo Carter to be one of the most impactful players for Tennessee football in year two. However, following a turbulent offseason, Carter hasn’t played much of a role. In the 33-27 loss to Oklahoma, he didn’t play a single snap on defense.
Carter did appear in the game as a punt returner, though. In that position, he returned two punts for eight yards. The second of which was muffed, but he was able to jump on it to avoid disaster.
The reason for Carter playing no snaps on defense, but still returning punts, is currently officially unclear. According to his mother on Facebook, he is dealing with an injury, though.
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During fall camp, the expectation was for Carter to get involved on the offensive side of the ball, as well as his defensive duties. In the open periods of practice to the media, we were able to see him run some routes and catch passes from then-Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
However, Carter missed team activities during the summer and was punished at the start of spring camp. He worked his way back to being a full-time member of the team, but any chance of him playing both ways in the wake of Travis Hunter’s Heisman-winning campaign went out the window.
Instead, Carter has settled in as the backup STAR behind Jalen McMurray. Tennessee looked in other directions for a punt returner, namely Braylon Staley and Daune Morris, but has also settled in with Carter in that role. He’s shown a dynamic ability to return in open space, but has had some issues cleanly catching the punts.
On the year, Carter has produced 25 tackles, three passes deflected, a sack and forced three fumbles.
