The top remaining target in the class of 2023 for Tennessee football has set a commitment date.
Arion Carter is set to announce his college decision on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET. The four-star prospects’ decision will likely come down to Alabama and Tennessee, with Ohio State also in the mix.
Carter ranks as the No. 19 linebacker in the class of 2023, and the No. 4 prospect in the state of Tennessee. He measures out at 6-foot-1 and 210-pounds.
Over the weekend, Carter took an official visit to Alabama. He spoke highly of the Crimson Tide.
“I had fun. I had a really amazing time at ‘Bama,” Carter told ON3. “Love the coaching staff, love what they’re doing there. Especially with the track background of just developing guys, that speaks for itself. Just going in, it felt like a place that I could go and an environment that I would like to be around.”
Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports projected Carter to Alabama. He previously had Carter going to Ohio State but changed it to Alabama.
It is no wonder why Alabama is the favorite to land Carter. The Crimson Tide will have a lot of turnover at the linebacker spot this offseason. Henry To’o To’o, former Vol, is graduating. To’o To’o quarterbacked Nick Saban’s defense this season, and he leaves a big hole to fill.
Alabama always seems to create dominant linebackers. Will Anderson picked up a plethora of postseason awards, including being named an AP All-American. Saban has also picked up a track record of putting successful players into NFL defenses.
Don’t count out Tennessee football just yet, though. Josh Heupel has been picking up ground late for the four-star prospect. The Vols hosted Carter for a visit, and Heupel has had an in-home visit with the prospect. Heupel also took a trip to Smyrna High School to visit Carter.
Carter took home a ton of postseason awards including Mr. Football for Tennessee in division 6A.
It will be interesting to see if Heupel and Tennessee football can keep Carter in-state despite Saban’s efforts.
