The in-state class of 2024 is shaping up to be an important one for Tennessee coach Josh Heupel. In his opening press conference after accepting the head coaching position with the Vols, Heupel talked about needing to recruit the Volunteer State at a high level. The 2024 cycle is filled with some impressive talents in Tennessee, and Heupel has shown that he was serious about what he said. He has already made in person visits to several targets and commits at their games in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 cycles. Perhaps one of the most exciting prospects in the 2024 class, a player to which Heupel paid a personal visit, is Chattanooga Christian School product Boo Carter in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Carter is a 5’11” and 190 pound athlete that can do it all for the Chargers, and will likely have his choice of where he wants to play at the next level as well. Whichever side of the ball Carter winds up on, his speed is going to be the defining characteristic of his game. Tennessee defensive back coach Willie Martinez is currently pursuing Carter as a safety, and with the way he covers ground, it is easy to see why. Carter has the wheels to get anywhere on the field in a hurry. He can cover large area of the defensive secondary, and has the speed to get himself back into plays if he is out of position or best, especially if a quarterback hangs a pass. Carter, who is also dangerous as a receiver for the Chargers, has outstanding leaping ability and ball skills. He can high point the ball and come down with it, whether playing safety or receiver. That same speed on display defensively makes Carter hugely dangerous with the ball in his hands, whether on a handoff, jet sweep, screen pass, deep ball, or run after the catch on an intermediate route. When Carter has the ball in his hands, opposing defenses have to hold their breath.
Carter makes flashes on defense, and it is easy to see why so many teams, Tennessee included, covet him as a safety. That said, Carter is a young man that has a knack for making huge plays when the ball is in his hands. Athletes as explosive as Carter are tough to find, and many find their way to offensive roles eventually. Carter seems a bit more natural and comfortable on offense, and the production backs it up as well. Carter was the focus of the Charger offense in the second half at McCallie as they tried to fight their way back into the game. Their production came from Carter, whether he was lined up as a receiver or running back. Carter showed toughness at both positions, whether taking a hit going across the middle or breaking tackles to fight for a first down.
Boo Carter is an explosive athlete capable of helping any Power Five team at multiple positions, and he has the offer list as a junior to match. Where Carter decides to attend college and what position they project him as will be interesting to observe, as well as seeing how it impacts his usage in his high school career. Carter himself said he is interested in playing offense, and it will be worth watching to see how that impacts his recruitment and if teams stay interested, changing their views for him or trying to convince him into the defensive secondary.
