Boo Carter reminds SEC why he’s Tennessee’s most dangerous weapon

Al Formicola

Boo Carter reminds SEC why he’s Tennessee’s most dangerous weapon image

Vols’ sophomore return man flips momentum with field position magic

When Tennessee needs a spark, Boo Carter provides it. The sophomore defensive back showed again why he’s one of the SEC’s most electric return specialists, turning punts into prime scoring chances in Tennessee’s 72-17 rout of East Tennessee State.

Carter’s day was a clinic in field-flipping. He returned four punts for 94 yards, putting the Vols’ offense in striking distance all afternoon. Three of those returns set up Tennessee inside ETSU territory, leading to 17 points.

One highlight came on a 34-yard burst that nearly broke free for six. Only a diving trip from ETSU’s punter kept him from scoring, but the Vols punched it in two plays later. His next return, a 40-yarder that saw him weave through traffic before being shoved out at the 5, once again set up an easy touchdown.

“Field position, that changes the game,” quarterback Joey Aguilar said. “Boo being able to get us that close makes it automatic points.”

Carter earned SEC All-Freshman honors last season after averaging a league-best 16.5 yards per return. Now back in his role after missing Week 1, he looks locked in as the Vols gear up for SEC play.

Head coach Josh Heupel praised his sophomore difference-maker: “Boo was electric with the ball in his hands. He’s got an ability to impact the game.”

Tennessee fans don’t need reminding, when Carter touches the ball, the whole stadium holds its breath.

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Al Formicola

Al Formicola is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over 20 years of television production experience as a writer and producer. He has previously written for Athlon Sports.