If I’m Tennessee Football defensive backs coach Willie Martinez, I’m not real happy with how things are shaking out for the Vols in spring practice. Why? Martinez has to share one of his most valuable commodities.
Tennessee sophomore Boo Carter could be on the verge of an All-SEC season as a defensive back. The Chattanooga native could also be on the verge of becoming the nation’s next two-way star. The early reviews of his work on offense have been good while Tennessee continues to pile more defensive responsibilities on him.
However, he could also end up injured or run down this season if he plays too much offense.
Another issue with him being a two-way player could be his new role on defense.
“We’re giving him more on defense, more responsibility where he has to set our defense,” Martinez said. “He’s the guy on our defense like the quarterback on our offense. He has to get the alignment set. He’s out there making the checks and he’s very confident. I think he’s putting a lot more work in off the field, and that’s really helping him.”
Wait, so he’s calling the plays for the defense? And he’s going to play on offense and return punts and potentially kickoffs?
That’s a lot to ask of anyone. It’s quite possible that Carter could be one of the Vols’ top receivers this fall while taking control of the Tennessee Football defense. Carter wanted as much. There were rumors that he was entertaining the transfer portal unless he could be the next two-way player. Be careful what you wish for.
It’s a double-edged sword for the Vols. Carter is a rare athlete, and if they don’t give him what he wants, Deion Sanders would come calling. Remember, he could have committed to the Colorado Buffaloes, and they did just have a Heisman winner, Travis Hunter Jr., who won it because he was a two-way player.
Doing that in the SEC, though, while also calling plays on defense seems like an impossible task.
Whatever the case, Martinez believes that Carter will be well-prepared.
“He’s grown so much,” Martinez said following the Vols’ spring practice on Thursday. “He is watching a lot more film on his own. He comes in. He’s in the building longer. He’s in there early. He’s leaving late. You can see it. The guys see it and it’s showing up on the field. “
On both sides of the field.
