'24 TN DB Boo Carter (Tennessee)

[butchna]

This is blasphemy amongst this forum if a certain group of posters catch wind of your treasonous 180.

I've long believed his size and skillset is more well-suited for the offensive side of the ball, which isn't to say he can't or shouldn't play on defense if that is where we need him to play.

But it's easy to see he is electric with the ball in his hands, and "electric" at WR is something we've sorely missed, this year.

Treason requires your actions having any effect. He won't need a lawyer...same with anybody on this board and AP.

 

[butchna]

lol do you live under a rock?

Boo's future position has been the Bob Uecker-John Madden of 2023.

Is that where posters who value his defensive skill-set reside?

 

[VOLED]

Our secondary desperately needs more athleticism. Boo I’m sure could play offense, but we need him more on defense. Who knows, maybe he gets some playing time on both sides of the ball before it’s all said and done.

I agree with you that he is needed more on D. However, I would be willing to bet that he is better than Kameron is on offense and we all know where he was projected to play.

 

[Jackcrevol]

Is that where posters who value his defensive skill-set reside?

according to the talking heads, he's going to play defense at UT. So, no matter if youre in the 'tastes great' or 'less filling' camps, at end of the day its gonna be an average American pilsner, no matter what any of us think.

(I didnt really think this analogy through)

 

[butchna]

according to the talking heads, he's going to play defense at UT. So, no matter if youre in the 'tastes great' or 'less filling' camps, at end of the day its gonna be an average American pilsner, no matter what any of us think.

(I didnt really think this analogy through)

I got it. Now for the one about residing under a rock?

 

[Jackcrevol]

I got it. Now for the one about residing under a rock?

Go back and listen to hours of podcasts, and read the pages of prognostications.

Temp turned down take...its defense.

 

[LouderVol]

This is blasphemy amongst this forum if a certain group of posters catch wind of your treasonous 180.

I've long believed his size and skillset is more well-suited for the offensive side of the ball, which isn't to say he can't or shouldn't play on defense if that is where we need him to play.

But it's easy to see he is electric with the ball in his hands, and "electric" at WR is something we've sorely missed, this year.

putting your hyperbole aside for a moment,

the way I look at it is where do you think we are weaker, WR or CB/DB?

I personally think that defense has been holding this team back, and the secondary has been the weakest part of it this whole time.

next I look at what we have recruited. at this time I think we have a better WR option, Matthews, in this class than we do any other DB prospect, Boo and Beasely are our best, and they aren't on Matthews level. If we got Bates, it would make more sense to flex Boo over.

IMO right now, there is more of a need on defense, and he will make a bigger impact on defense based on the relative skill at the two positions in this class. and on the team I believe we already have more difference makers on the offensive side, so again he will have a bigger impact on the team on the defense.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

putting your hyperbole aside for a moment,

the way I look at it is where do you think we are weaker, WR or CB/DB?

I personally think that defense has been holding this team back, and the secondary has been the weakest part of it this whole time.

next I look at what we have recruited. at this time I think we have a better WR option, Matthews, in this class than we do any other DB prospect, Boo and Beasely are our best, and they aren't on Matthews level. If we got Bates, it would make more sense to flex Boo over.

IMO right now, there is more of a need on defense, and he will make a bigger impact on defense based on the relative skill at the two positions in this class. and on the team I believe we already have more difference makers on the offensive side, so again he will have a bigger impact on the team on the defense.

The linebackers have not been very outstanding either. A lot of their mistakes make the DBs look bad.

 

[NighthawkVol]

putting your hyperbole aside for a moment,

the way I look at it is where do you think we are weaker, WR or CB/DB?

I personally think that defense has been holding this team back, and the secondary has been the weakest part of it this whole time.

next I look at what we have recruited. at this time I think we have a better WR option, Matthews, in this class than we do any other DB prospect, Boo and Beasely are our best, and they aren't on Matthews level. If we got Bates, it would make more sense to flex Boo over.

IMO right now, there is more of a need on defense, and he will make a bigger impact on defense based on the relative skill at the two positions in this class. and on the team I believe we already have more difference makers on the offensive side, so again he will have a bigger impact on the team on the defense.

Your logic is actually why I’m starting to think he may end up on offense. The WR room is thin. When it looked like we’d sign 3-4 WRs, putting Boo on defense made a lot of sense. But our WR room is pretty weak now and it needs a jolt.

Further, if Boo is on defense, he’s a Safety. Being 5’10” at Safety brings some liabilities to the table. But less so at WR. So while we have needs at both WR and DB, his abilities/size might be more likely to impact the WR room in a positive way. Further, if Boo is physical enough to play Safety, he’s probably physical enough to play outside WR and get off press coverage…something we’ve struggled with.

I agree that we have a stud WR coming in in Matthews. We also have a stud CB coming in in Beasley. And I acknowledge, as another poster pointed out, that my opinion has no bearing in where he actually plays. But given the facts above, I’m starting to think there’s a greater likelihood he ends up on offense (or both). Regardless, glad he’s gonna be a Vol.

 

[cncchris33]

putting your hyperbole aside for a moment,

the way I look at it is where do you think we are weaker, WR or CB/DB?

I personally think that defense has been holding this team back, and the secondary has been the weakest part of it this whole time.

next I look at what we have recruited. at this time I think we have a better WR option, Matthews, in this class than we do any other DB prospect, Boo and Beasely are our best, and they aren't on Matthews level. If we got Bates, it would make more sense to flex Boo over.

IMO right now, there is more of a need on defense, and he will make a bigger impact on defense based on the relative skill at the two positions in this class. and on the team I believe we already have more difference makers on the offensive side, so again he will have a bigger impact on the team on the defense.

Is it hyperbole, though? Just because your post was well thought out and sensible doesn't erase the dozens of "You're stupid, Boo is a DB" replies to anyone who dared mention how good he looked on the other side of the ball.

Still, to your point, I guess I just don't see this stable of playmakers on the offensive side, especially at WR. I see Squirrel White. Bru doesn't appear to be coming back. Thornton never showed much promise and will be returning off an injury. He could still develop into the player we all hoped he could be, but in 3 years, he has 39 recs for 765 yds and 4 TDs. Leacock is an unknown, yet. The rest could develop, but haven't flashed to thus point, and there is no surer sign that they are difference makers than the young DBs we have and have recruited. And then we have Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley coming in, who we all have high hopes for.

Boo's size at DB is also a concern for me. Is he closer to 5-9 or 5-11? Let's call it 5-10 and 180 lbs. He's been most often projected as a safety, but that would be on the smaller side of that position. No doubt that we couldn't use his athleticism in our secondary. I think we'd all feel a lot more comfortable if he were closer to the neighborhood of 6-1, 205 lbs playing there. We currently have zero scholarship players on our roster at DB under 6', so it seems clear that this staff has a profile. The other DBs in this class, and the three already committed for 2025 all are at or above 6', too. So Boo stands out in that regard.

In the end, the staff is going to play him where they believe he has the most impact. If that is at DB, I'm fine with that. I just don't think it is sacrilege to have open discussion about the possibility/idea of him playing offense, though.

Your reply was polite and insightful, and the type that I'd prefer to engage with on the topic. But there are several who just want to walk all over anyone with an alternative theory, flexing their internet muscle because it challenges their critical thinking skills.

 

[LouderVol]

The linebackers have not been very outstanding either. A lot of their mistakes make the DBs look bad.

Thats a good point, especially in run support/contain. but defending the pass is still the weakest area and that is a DBs primary job.

 

[LouderVol]

Is it hyperbole, though? Just because your post was well thought out and sensible doesn't erase the dozens of "You're stupid, Boo is a DB" replies to anyone who dared mention how good he looked on the other side of the ball.

Still, to your point, I guess I just don't see this stable of playmakers on the offensive side, especially at WR. I see Squirrel White. Bru doesn't appear to be coming back. Thornton never showed much promise and will be returning off an injury. He could still develop into the player we all hoped he could be, but in 3 years, he has 39 recs for 765 yds and 4 TDs. Leacock is an unknown, yet. The rest could develop, but haven't flashed to thus point, and there is no surer sign that they are difference makers than the young DBs we have and have recruited. And then we have Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley coming in, who we all have high hopes for.

Boo's size at DB is also a concern for me. Is he closer to 5-9 or 5-11? Let's call it 5-10 and 180 lbs. He's been most often projected as a safety, but that would be on the smaller side of that position. No doubt that we couldn't use his athleticism in our secondary. I think we'd all feel a lot more comfortable if he were closer to the neighborhood of 6-1, 205 lbs playing there. We currently have zero scholarship players on our roster at DB under 6', so it seems clear that this staff has a profile. The other DBs in this class, and the three already committed for 2025 all are at or above 6', too. So Boo stands out in that regard.

In the end, the staff is going to play him where they believe he has the most impact. If that is at DB, I'm fine with that. I just don't think it is sacrilege to have open discussion about the possibility/idea of him playing offense, though.

Your reply was polite and insightful, and the type that I'd prefer to engage with on the topic. But there are several who just want to walk all over anyone with an alternative theory, flexing their internet muscle because it challenges their critical thinking skills.

eh the height thing doesn't bother me as much if Boo brings fight with him. Size of the fight in the dog and all of that, and I think Boo has plenty of that competitive edge we need wherever.

and we could use him as a NB and whichever safety position focuses less on run support where size is a bigger need. I see him as a ball hawk/speed coverage guy. IMO our DBs aren't getting burned because of their size, they are getting burned because they are 10 yards off the ball and can't close, or not able to stay in step down field. I don't see either of those issues being an issue with Boo. We haven't had a DB with a nose for the ball in a LONG time, one of those guys who is just always around the play. Doesn't have to be a T-Rex out there, or the biggest hitter. Just someone who can diagnose the play and make a move on the ball/player. I think Boo's offensive background and skills will help out a ton there.

and similar to your thoughts on WR of different sizes, I see the same thing with the DBs. Boo is the one guy that is different that can fill a different role that we currently don't have.

I also think having Nico as QB will do a TON to making our current WRs look a lot better. not having every ball come at them at Mach 4 will make a lot more passes catchable. and Nico's illusive and willingness to run/scramble will be huge too if the defense knows they have to defend the qb run game, which can only help our other skill players if the D can't focus on them.

D-line is similar to qb play, just making the DBs look better, but I think we are already pretty darn good on the D-line, you can always get better, but I think they are already doing "enough" to help the DBs. which is why I think the biggest area for improvement from skill/players will be at DB where we need Boo.

and i too enjoy the honest discussion, and tend to typically ignore most of the other talk. some posters do get under my skin I have to admit.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

I want Boo on offense simply because I dislike DB's his size. It's too east for a 6'4 guy to go up and Moss him.
Everyone mentions the honey badger but players like him are few and far between.

 

[bigl3327]

Is it hyperbole, though? Just because your post was well thought out and sensible doesn't erase the dozens of "You're stupid, Boo is a DB" replies to anyone who dared mention how good he looked on the other side of the ball.

Still, to your point, I guess I just don't see this stable of playmakers on the offensive side, especially at WR. I see Squirrel White. Bru doesn't appear to be coming back. Thornton never showed much promise and will be returning off an injury. He could still develop into the player we all hoped he could be, but in 3 years, he has 39 recs for 765 yds and 4 TDs. Leacock is an unknown, yet. The rest could develop, but haven't flashed to thus point, and there is no surer sign that they are difference makers than the young DBs we have and have recruited. And then we have Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley coming in, who we all have high hopes for.

Boo's size at DB is also a concern for me. Is he closer to 5-9 or 5-11? Let's call it 5-10 and 180 lbs. He's been most often projected as a safety, but that would be on the smaller side of that position. No doubt that we couldn't use his athleticism in our secondary. I think we'd all feel a lot more comfortable if he were closer to the neighborhood of 6-1, 205 lbs playing there. We currently have zero scholarship players on our roster at DB under 6', so it seems clear that this staff has a profile. The other DBs in this class, and the three already committed for 2025 all are at or above 6', too. So Boo stands out in that regard.

In the end, the staff is going to play him where they believe he has the most impact. If that is at DB, I'm fine with that. I just don't think it is sacrilege to have open discussion about the possibility/idea of him playing offense, though.

Your reply was polite and insightful, and the type that I'd prefer to engage with on the topic. But there are several who just want to walk all over anyone with an alternative theory, flexing their internet muscle because it challenges their critical thinking skills.

Boo weighed in at @195 at a camp this past summer. He's bigger than you think. He also was locking down WRs in man coverage in 7v7s. The kid is just a baller. I know this WR vs DB debate will likely wage on his entire career. I'm just happy he's a Vol.

 

[cncchris33]

Boo weighed in at @195 at a camp this past summer. He's bigger than you think. He also was locking down WRs in man coverage in 7v7s. The kid is just a baller. I know this WR vs DB debate will likely wage on his entire career. I'm just happy he's a Vol.

Same here...as long as he's a Vol, I don't really care where he plays. It doesn't stop it from being an interesting topic of debate. His ability to lock guys down in man coverage will go wasted if we don't stop our insistence on playing zone with an acre of cushion. I hope as we get better cover corners l, we move towards more man coverage. Gibson, Matthews, Beasley, Goree, Boo...hopefully those guys usher in a more aggressive defensive scheme.

 

[allvolrecruiting]

 

[utvolmaniac]

This is blasphemy amongst this forum if a certain group of posters catch wind of your treasonous 180.

I've long believed his size and skillset is more well-suited for the offensive side of the ball, which isn't to say he can't or shouldn't play on defense if that is where we need him to play.

But it's easy to see he is electric with the ball in his hands, and "electric" at WR is something we've sorely missed, this year.

Many thought Alontae Taylor should have been a WR. We put him at DB. Too bad that didn’t work out for him.

Not arguing with you, just pointing out the fact.

 

[WesTnVol]

Can Boo be the next Eric Berry? I remember EB being an offensive weapon on defense. Pick sixes are fun to watch too.

 

[MemphisVol3]

eh the height thing doesn't bother me as much if Boo brings fight with him. Size of the fight in the dog and all of that, and I think Boo has plenty of that competitive edge we need wherever.

and we could use him as a NB and whichever safety position focuses less on run support where size is a bigger need. I see him as a ball hawk/speed coverage guy. IMO our DBs aren't getting burned because of their size, they are getting burned because they are 10 yards off the ball and can't close, or not able to stay in step down field. I don't see either of those issues being an issue with Boo. We haven't had a DB with a nose for the ball in a LONG time, one of those guys who is just always around the play. Doesn't have to be a T-Rex out there, or the biggest hitter. Just someone who can diagnose the play and make a move on the ball/player. I think Boo's offensive background and skills will help out a ton there.

and similar to your thoughts on WR of different sizes, I see the same thing with the DBs. Boo is the one guy that is different that can fill a different role that we currently don't have.

I also think having Nico as QB will do a TON to making our current WRs look a lot better. not having every ball come at them at Mach 4 will make a lot more passes catchable. and Nico's illusive and willingness to run/scramble will be huge too if the defense knows they have to defend the qb run game, which can only help our other skill players if the D can't focus on them.

D-line is similar to qb play, just making the DBs look better, but I think we are already pretty darn good on the D-line, you can always get better, but I think they are already doing "enough" to help the DBs. which is why I think the biggest area for improvement from skill/players will be at DB where we need Boo.

and i too enjoy the honest discussion, and tend to typically ignore most of the other talk. some posters do get under my skin I have to admit.

@ Mach 4

 

[cncchris33]

Many thought Alontae Taylor should have been a WR. We put him at DB. Too bad that didn’t work out for him.

Not arguing with you, just pointing out the fact.

Many had JuJu Smith-Schuster pegged as a future All-American safety. USC put him at WR. That worked out for him.

Examples of that kind of decision in both directions.

 

[LouderVol]

Many had JuJu Smith-Schuster pegged as a future All-American safety. USC put him at WR. That worked out for him.

Examples of that kind of decision in both directions.

I would have used Jauan Jennings, because you know, Tennessee.

 

[LoudOrange]

Can Boo be the next Eric Berry? I remember EB being an offensive weapon on defense. Pick sixes are fun to watch too.

He was until Monte ruined him.

 

[NighthawkVol]

I would have used Jauan Jennings, because you know, Tennessee.

After seeing Jennings in person in high school, I thought he would be a Safety at UT. He obviously wasn't going to be a QB and he had the mentality of a defensive player. I'm glad he ended up at WR, but I do think he'd have been a good Safety too. Although he might've been ejected a lot.

 

[LouderVol]

After seeing Jennings in person in high school, I thought he would be a Safety at UT. He obviously wasn't going to be a QB and he had the mentality of a defensive player. I'm glad he ended up at WR, but I do think he'd have been a good Safety too. Although he might've been ejected a lot.

oh heck yeah he would have been. I think targeting became a rule while he was here. dude had absolutely no fear sticking his body on the line to stop a defender.

 

[swampfoxfan]

I want Boo on offense simply because I dislike DB's his size. It's too east for a 6'4 guy to go up and Moss him.
Everyone mentions the honey badger but players like him are few and far between.

That's one reason I would put him in the defensive backfield, he's not 6'2"+ . But wherever he winds up playing I believe Boo Carter will excel.