Josh Heupel shares input leadership council had on Boo Carter decision

After previous reports that Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Boo Carter had missed multiple team activities and been confronted by team leaders over it, there was speculation about his future within the program. Ahead of Fall Camp starting, head coach Josh Heupel put those concerns to bed, announcing that he’s still part of the team.

When Heupel publicly shared Carter’s status, he noted that the leadership council had been a part of the discussions. That’s not always the case when it comes to discipline, Heupel made clear, but it was in this instance.

“I think always is probably a stronger word than I would say,” Josh Heupel said. “Not always. My wife would tell you it would get me into trouble. I think each situation is unique, and I think in leadership it’s important that you step back and try to look at it from different angles as well. Ultimately, in this case, we had conversations with multiple parties.”

Boo Carter came to Tennessee as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2024. He was the 111th-ranked recruit in that cycle. He’d play in 13 games as a freshman, making 38 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and one sack. He also had an interception. That was good enough to be named an All-SEC Freshman performer.

It has been a bit of an awkward offseason for Boo Carter and Tennessee. At one point, there had been rumors that he may transfer before he ultimately opted to return to Knoxville. That came alongside an indication he had gotten a new NIL deal from The Volunteer Club.

Despite the needed intervention, Josh Heupel isn’t concerned about Boo Carter in the long erm fitting in on the team. There’s trust that needs to be won back, but as long as he meets those standards, then the reality is that his teammates and coaches do care about him.

“Guys on the leadership council, I know it’s true in the locker room too, they care about the person. Care and love for him, and want him to be his best. I think that starts in life through the conversations we’ve had with him,” Heupel said. “And then that parleys itself onto the football side of it as well. So, I’m not worried about the chemistry. At the end of the day, there are standards that we all have to meet. That’s everybody in the building. When somebody fails in that, whether they get another chance or not, each situation is different, but ultimately Boo’s got to meet those standards there moving forward.”

Josh Heupel addresses Boo Carter situation, status with Tennessee football team

While Boo Carter remains with the Tennessee Volunteers, Josh Heupel also made it clear that he needs to win back some trust. That means taking care of business before he gets back on the field.

“Boo is a part of our team here. There’s some things he’s got to accomplish to get back on the field here. Don’t have a set timetable on that,” Heupel said.

“Our leadership council has been apart 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.”

Tennessee opens the season on August 30th against Syracuse. It will be interesting to see what role Boo Carter plays in that game for the Volunteers.