The Tennessee Volunteers have drawn media attention recently, largely due to Boo Carter and his off-field issues. Leading up to camp, there were serious questions about whether Carter would even remain on the team after missing several team activities.
“Tennessee sophomore defensive back Boo Carter is expected to be one of the Volunteers' best players in 2025 on defense, offense and special teams, but his status with the team is unclear as we inch closer to August. Carter has missed ‘numerous’ team activities and was even confronted by team leaders because of his absences, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel,” CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani reported.
With speculation swirling, head coach Josh Heupel faced a key question during his opening press conference after the summer break. Heupel clarified that Carter is still part of the team but emphasized that the sophomore has work to do to regain the trust of the program.
“Boo is a part of our team here,” Heupel said. “There’s some things he’s got to accomplish to get back on the field here. Don’t have a set timetable on that. Our leadership council has been a part of those things, those discussions, with me and with Boo. I’m proud of what they’ve done. They care and love Boo, and want him to be his best too. And through this thing, I think Boo sees that as well.”
Meanwhile, after Saturday’s practice, linebackers coach William Inge made it clear that an under-the-radar player is starting to earn serious attention.
“Vols LB coach William Inge called Edwin Spillman the ‘monster’ in the room and that he is ‘biting at the heels’ of both Arion Carter and Jeremiah Telander on the field. Pretty confident he will play a big role for Tennessee’s defense this season,” VolQuest’s Eric Cain posted.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Spillman, a redshirt freshman, appears to be making a strong impression. The Vols will need dependable depth behind Telander and Carter. Telander stepped into a starting role last season after Keenan Pili suffered an injury, and Spillman now looks poised to wreak havoc in year two with the program.