Tennessee football is expected to host one of the top remaining class of 2023 prospects this weekend.
Arion Carter, a four-star linebacker, announced via Twitter he would be in Knoxville this week for an official visit.
It seems to be coming down to a two-team race to land the linebacker out of Smyrna High School in Rutherford County, Tenn., which is just outside of Nashville. Both the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee football are vying for Carter’s talents.
He ranks as the No. 19 linebacker in the class of 2023, and the No. 4 prospect in the state of Tennessee. Carter measures out at 6-foot-1 and 210-pounds.
Carter was previously committed to the Memphis Tigers before backing off of his pledge on Nov. 16. The Vols extended Carter a scholarship offer in September.
After his official visit to Rocky Top, Carter will visit Tuscaloosa before making his decision. He will announce his choice on Jan. 7th during the All-American Bowl.
Carter can definitely have an impact in his first year wherever he goes. With Jeremy Banks likely not returning, Tennessee football could definitely use a player like him. Either way, he would probably be a key player by no later than 2024.
There is no football or major basketball game this week. Josh Heupel will have to impress the prospect by finding creative ways to roll out the red carpet.
“I’m trying to, most importantly, see how I fit in the system,” Carter told 247Sports. “I want to watch film and see if they give me a great presentation on how I fit in the system. Besides the culture aspect of it and what they’re building, I want them to really show me why I belong there and why and how I will be given opportunities on the field to play early.”
Currently, Tennessee football has two linebackers committed in Jalen Smith and Jeremiah Telander, but neither is rated as high as Carter. He would be a huge pickup for the Vols.
