Arion Carter turning pro, reflects on time with Tennessee Football

Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter has announced his decision to turn pro and pass up his senior season at Tennessee. Before announcing his intentions, he caught up with Volquest to look back at his three seasons on Rocky Top.

“I’m super proud,” Carter said in reflection. “Just what we’ve been able to do here as a program holistically, just changing the culture around, continuing it to be in the right direction and leaving the place better than when I found it was my mission. And just being able to come out on the back end and see all the hard work and fruits of labor come into fruition. It’s just been a dream come true.”

Carter chose Tennessee over Alabama three years ago in a signing day decision that was a massive boost for Josh Heupel. He played in all three seasons with his final two being a starter for Tim Banks‘ defense. He totaled 161 tackles in 31 games with 13.5 tackles for loss.

“I take it super serious being the leader of the defense and just being able to go out there and represent that Power T the right way, especially on defense with the history of the greats that came through Tennessee defensively. Just wanting to represent those VFLs well and be able to leave the place better than what I found it, especially at my position,” Carter offered.

Carter hopes to continue building his legacy

The day that he chose Tennessee three years ago, he was hiding out in his house with then Alabama assistant Pete Golding in the area wanting to meet with him. Volquest came by to do a pre announcement interview that took place in Carter’s bedroom in an all-timer for Tennessee fans. He says he’s grown a lot since that day.

“I feel like I’m a lot more obviously being three years into it, more mature about it,” Carter said. “Just a different view on life and football. Honestly, being able to holistically understand what it really truly means to play for a blue blood school and such a great institution.

“Obviously being here the last three years, just the relationships that I’ve been able to build with teachers and friends and coaches and people like you that I’ve been able to come in connection with. That’ll be relationships that could last forever. I never knew that it was going to end up being as big as this, especially just being a kid, just like eighteen-years-old at the time. You mentioned back on the bed and just everything then was just a whirlwind. I just know with it all coming full circle with me being a step closer to my dream, I mean, it’s a blessing. So just looking at it from the past.”

Carter will not play in the Music City Bowl and will begin prep for the NFL Draft in the spring.