By Mark Pszonak
Playing both ways is not the norm, which is why Travis Hunter’s accomplishments during his time with Colorado drew extra attention. However, in what has become a copycat culture, it makes sense that coaches may now be more open to the idea. This is the case in Tennessee, where Boo Carter has been impressing at wide receiver during spring practices, after showcasing his abilities at defensive back and as a special team’s returner in 2024.
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Carter, 5-foot-11 and 200-pounds, impressed immediately upon his arrival in Knoxville as a true freshman in 2024. He then continued to do the same on the field, which eventually earned him SEC All-Freshman Team honors on both defense and special teams. Carter totaled 38 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and one interception, while averaging 16.5 yards on 12 punt returns.
While he didn’t play offense in 2024, he more than proved himself as a threat with the ball in his hands during his senior season in high school when he finished with 1,795 all-purpose yards and 27 total touchdowns. As a receiver he totaled 55 receptions for 911 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Vols have talent and depth at wide receiver, but not much experience. They lost Bru McCoy, Squirrel White and Dont’e Thompson from the 2024 roster, so players like Chris Brazzell II, Mike Matthews, Braylon Staley and Amari Jefferson will be relied on. In other words, there is an opportunity for someone like White to make an impact.
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It is too early to tell how much of an open-mind head coach Josh Heupel will have in regard to playing White both ways when the Vols get into the meat of the SEC schedule. While it already seems like a safe assumption that White will play some receiver, exactly how much he plays is something that will keep Vols’ fans talking during the remainder of the off-season.
