Tennessee defensive back Boo Carter may be the Vols’ most explosive weapon on offense this season. That says a little bit about his athleticism and what the Vols have returning on offense this season.
After losing a plethora of skill-positions players from last season’s team, Tennessee could certainly use a some more explosiveness when they have the ball this season. Carter, who played offense extensively in high school, may be able to provide that if all parties are truly on board.
I have my doubts.
Carter has the ability to go with the leverage he surely yielded during the offseason. Playing offense might be better for the Vols. It’s certainly better for him and his brand.
There was a time not that long ago that I would have called shenanigans on Carter playing offense. And, frankly, I’m still not certain this isn’t for show. I’ve seen more than my fair share of spring practice super stars.
With the transfer portal, Carter could have easily forced Tennessee’s hand into allowing him to play that side of the ball. I wouldn’t blame him if he did. However, Tennessee’s coaches could easily give him an opportunity in spring camp while knowing all along that he might not be a good fit in head coach Josh Heupel’s system.
“Boo’s done a really good job on the defensive side of the ball,” Heupel said. “You saw him as a punt returner – electric with the ball in his hands. We’ve experimented with him on the offensive side of the football as well, and he’s handled it really well up until this point.”
Did you notice that Heupel led with defense, then special teams, before discussing Carter on offense? In other words, don’t get your hopes up. And don’t expect Carter to be the next Travis Hunter, who was a true two-way star for Colorado last season.
Hunter caught 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns last season while adding a rushing touchdown – just for fun. Carter isn’t going to do that. Let’s get a little more realistic for a moment.
How about former Georgia defensive back Champ Bailey, who moonlighted on offense as a receiver and a running threat? Bailey caught 47 passes for 744 yards and five touchdowns in 1998. He also ran the ball 16 times for 84 yards that season. Carter isn’t going to do that. How about a more familiar name?
Former Michigan defensive back Charles Woodson beat out former Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning in 1997. Why? Partly because Woodson was a superstar on offense. But he really wasn’t.
Woodson caught just 11 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns in 1997. He ran the ball three times for 15 yards and a touchdown. That seems doable for Carter, and that’s about it.
Carter isn’t going to be an every-down receiver because he’d have to learn the entire playbook. That’s mandatory in Heupel’s offense. Heupel doesn’t rotate receivers during drives so once you’re in, you’re in.
There may be times in which Heupel can utilize Carter for one or two plays, such as goal line situations, but don’t expect to see him on offense for an entire drive. That would be asking too much of him and possibly putting Tennessee’s defense in a bind. There’s one other thing to also consider. Heupel’s coaching style.
For all of the explosive plays that Heupel’s offense produces, the fifth-year Tennessee head coach is pretty conservative with his personnel. That could change with Carter, but I doubt it.
