Tennessee safety Will Brooks has become known for his penchant of being around the ball, which has resulted in three interceptions this season. He may now have some company.
UT freshman Boo Carter registered his first interception on Saturday when the Chattanooga native picked off a pass against Mississippi State on Saturday. It’s just one example in which Carter has been at the heart of a play that resulted in a change in momentum.
“Just his work ethic and just his preparation each week, we all watch a lot of film together,” Brooks said when asked what has made Carter stand out. “He’s a very athletic guy, a pretty explosive player. Just all that combined has just allowed him to be pretty successful so early on.”
The Vols will face an enigmatic quarterback this week when Tennessee travels to Georgia. Some predicted Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck would be a first-round draft pick, but he’s struggled lately this season. Beck has thrown 12 interceptions, which is worst among SEC quarterbacks, after throwing just four picks last season.
“They obviously have a really good run game,” Brooks said when asked about Beck. “And you know Carson Beck, he’s a good quarterback so he knows how to find open receivers. They do a lot of stuff. They’re pretty balanced. Their offense is good. We’ll have our work cut out for us on defense.”
Brooks may be trying to be nice. Georgia’s offense ranks eighth in the SEC with 410 yards per game. The Bulldogs ranked second in the SEC last season with 496 yards per game. No matter, Brooks said.
“I think every game needs to be treated the same, just like the way you prepare and the way you’re looking at each game needs to be the same because it’s hard if you’re thinking like some games are bigger than others,” Brooks said of the matchup this week. “You need to prepare the same way for every single game.
The Vols certainly have an advantage this season that they didn’t have when the Vols lost to Georgia last season. Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, who transferred from Oregon State following the 2023 season, has turned into one of the best defensive backs in the nation.
“When he first got here, he showed how good of a player he’s been,” Brooks said. “Just from even the first practice back in spring ball. He’s been making plays his entire time here. He’s just continued to grow, just learning the defense and preparing the right way.”
While the Vols have one of the elite defenses in the nation, there has been a recent concern crop up lately. Tennessee has given up long running plays in its two recent games, against Mississippi State and Kentucky. Brooks isn’t concerned.
“We just need to execute better on those plays, whether that’s fitting the gap the right way or just making the tackle in open space,” Brooks said.
Brooks is pretty good at tackling too. He’s second among all Vols with 41 tackles this season. Turns out he should be known for more than just those timely interceptions.
