On3 Roundtable: Identifying Tennessee freshmen to buy stock in early

Josh Heupel brought success to Tennessee on the field, getting to 10 regular season wins. That has translated to the recruiting world as well, with the Vols bringing in a top-15 class. To make matters even better, there are some freshman who are expected to make a serious impact in the fall.

Volquest‘s Austin Price joined the On3 Rountable to discuss a few freshmen to buy stock in. He began with linebacker Arion Carter, who was a great recruiting win. Price says Carter was excellent during the spring and will have the chance of cracking the two deep roster.

“I would go Arion Carter, linebacker,” Price said. “Had a phenomenal senior year and saw his recruitment blow up and I think that is going to transition into his playing career blowing up. He has had a really good spring. I think he’ll be in the two deep this fall. Which, Tennessee only plays two linebackers. So, to be in the two deep, that means you’re in the top four.”

Carter played high school football at Smyrna (TN) High School, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 125 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Originally a running back commit for Memphis, Carter played linebacker as a senior and instantly became an intense SEC-centric recruitment. Of course, Tennessee wound up on the winning end but Alabama was making a run at him as well.

Freshman corner, tight end standing out for Tennessee

Carter is going to steal a ton of headlines this season but Price is still wanting to buy stock in a couple of more guys. There is one on each side of the ball and apparently both had a good first spring since arriving in Knoxville.

“Rickey Gibson is someone I think you want to buy stock in,” Price said. “Alabama native, long corner, really athletic. Really, really impressive in spring. I think he’s someone that’s caught the Tennessee coach’s eyes. And then Ethan Davis, four-star tight end. Another one I think you need to buy stock in long-term.”

Both Davis and Gibson were ranked four-star prospects coming out of high school. There might be some impact during the 2023 season but if anything, it’s a long-term investment. After all, Heupel is looking to build something special over the next few years at Tennessee.