Tennessee overcomes late Bama push to land Arion Carter
SMYRNA, Tenn. — In just a few short months, Arion Carter went from Memphis running back commitment to linebacker prospect that had Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio State and Michigan tugging for his attention and decision. Wednesday, Carter ended the chase by picking Tennessee at high school.
“It was a really hard decision,” the four-star told Volquest. “Two big-time schools, both two really good institutions coming after you. Throughout this whole process, it’s been a blessing overall. At the end of the day, I want to do what is best for me and my family and to do what gives me the best opportunity.”
Carter grew so fond of Josh Heupel throughout the process and those two have gotten close.
“It means everything,” Carter said of his relationship with Heupel. “Without that relationship, I wouldn’t be here talking to you. Over the past couple of months, I’ve talked to him every day or at least every other day. We’ve been on the phone talking to each other. It just means a lot and shows you how much the school has interest in you. Having a head coach in your home and at your school, it really shows that they are invested in you.”
He now heads to Knoxville tomorrow as he will move in for a week or so to go through bowl practice. It’s a chance to start learning from Brian Jean Mary.
“I can’t wait. The recruitment standpoint is fun and all – but once you actually get to put the pads on and start practicing – that’s the fun part for me,” Carter said.
After practices in Knoxville he and the rest of the midterm enrollees will actually get to travel to Miami to continue bowl prep and take part of the Orange Bowl experience.
“I can’t wait. It’s a once and a lifetime opportunity and the reason why I wanted to do that and not go to the All-American game,” the Vol commit said. “It’s a once and a lifetime opportunity for me to get experience on the field, experience with the guys and to see what it’s like to be at a bowl game so in the future I will have already been there and one that. The practices, you can’t get that time back.”
Carter has dreams of playing as soon as possible and his inner belief is something that drives him to push harder.
“I’ve been doubted my whole life, so being an underdog is nothing new,” Carter concluded. “All I know is work and all that I’ll know from this point on is work. Everything is earned and not given at the end of the day, so it’s up to me. We have a choice in life every day on what we do and choose not to do, I’m going to choose to give my best and my all for Tennessee to be a contributor.”
