Tennessee’s Boo Carter is making his presence felt in a number of ways before Vols play Georgia Bulldogs

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Tennessee may have a new weapon to light up the score board against Georgia after freshman Boo Carter made a sensational debut as the Vols’ punt returner against Mississippi State on Saturday. That could pay big-time dividends against the Bulldogs in Athens this week.

“The preparation from practice landed to the game,” Carter said of his athletic display on Saturday returning punts, “so I’ve been putting in the work at practice to important details to the game.”

Carter racked up 56 yards on punt returns, including a 28-yard return against State. He seemed to be on the verge of breaking free on several occasions and saved the Vols a handful of yards when he made an aggressive grab on a punt that could have gone much further into Tennessee territory. However, Carter did more than that. 

The freshman also set the tone with an early tackle for a loss as he appears to be truly coming into his own as a consistent play maker.

“I just got the passion for the game,” Carter said. “I like defense. I like the contact. I like to hit.”

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Carter ranks ninth among all Vols with 25 tackles this season. That’s impressive considering his play was limited early this season as he learned the Vols’ defense. Carter has primarily played the Vols’ Star position, which is a hybrid linebacker/safety position.

When it comes to punt returns, sure, Carter would like to break one for a touchdown. However, his first responsibility is setting up the Vols’ offense.

“I just keep the offense from being back in the end zone,” Carter said. “I was trying to return everyone on so they wouldn’t be backed up, but I don’t really got a green light, but it’s better for me to catch it and get some get some yards for the offense though.”

Carter found yet another way to contribute against Mississippi State on Saturday. The Chattanooga native also intercepted a pass against the Bulldogs, which was his first of the season. That could pay dividends against Georgia, which is led by quarterback Carson Beck. The senior has thrown 12 interceptions this season, which is most in the SEC.

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