Measuring 5-foot-11 and weighing 200 pounds, Carter did not feature in Tennessee’s recent victory over New Mexico State and was notably absent from the sidelines. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel emphasized the importance of meeting standards within the program, stating, “At the end of the day, there’s a standard you’ve got to meet to be in that locker room. He was not out on the field with us.”
Carter’s Season and Performance
Heading into his sophomore year, expectations were high for Carter, who was widely seen as a crucial player in Tennessee’s secondary. His performance stats include 25 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss, although he hasn’t yet started any games this season. This stands in sharp contrast to the promising debut he had during his freshman year in 2024.
Challenges and Setbacks
Carter’s journey with the Volunteers has been tumultuous. His offseason was marred by missed team activities, leading to confrontations with team leaders. This eventually prompted him to take a brief hiatus from the team in July. Upon his return, Heupel remarked that there were “some things he’s got to accomplish” for Carter to rejoin the playing squad.
Future Prospects
Even before any official confirmation of his dismissal, rumors suggested that Tennessee viewed Carter as a likely transfer candidate. As a former four-star recruit, there is anticipation around how teams will assess his time at Tennessee, especially as he becomes available for transfer in January.
By the end of his tenure at Tennessee, Carter accumulated 63 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and one interception, leaving behind a mixed legacy marked by both potential and challenges.
