4-star LB Arion Carter sets commitment date

Smyrna (Tenn.) four-star linebacker Arion Carter has taken his official visits. He has hosted coaches in his home, and now he is ready to make his commitment decision.

The No. 188 prospect in the On3 Consensus was originally set to announce his decision at the All-American Bowl next month, but instead will announce tomorrow, December 14 at 12:00pm Central.

Carter is fresh off an official visit to Alabama over the weekend, but also hosted Tennessee head coach Josh Huepel — who has taken a personal interest in his recruitment — in his home on Monday.

The Crimson Tide and the Volunteers have been among his top three schools, along with Ohio State. And those three are expected to the the schools in contention as he announces a decision.

Ohio State is still being talked about, but this race is expected to come down to Alabama and Tennessee. He has visited the two SEC schools over the last two weekends. It has gotten closer and closer between the Crimson Tide and Vols over the last week or so.

Alabama has a strong lead, but based on my intel, Tennessee has made a strong push late. Heupel has played a big role in the Vols move late for the in-state target. Heupel spent a lot of time with Carter on Monday. Carter is one to watch very closely over the final week. A couple of weeks ago, this looked like all Alabama, but late, I am starting to hear a little more about Tennessee. 

Arion Carter Scouting Summary

“Violent linebacker who plays with his hair on fire with every snap. Explodes on contact, possesses true stopping power. Strong track and field profile. Jumped 6-foot in the high jump, 19-foot-5 in the long jump and ran 41.25 in the 300m intermediate hurdles during his junior track and field season. Also a starter for his high school basketball team. Terrific ability to diagnose and trigger downfield. Shows excellent field vision and awareness when dropping into zone coverage or spying the quarterback. Two-way player who flashes change of direction and long speed at the running back position as well. Lacks ideal length for the inside linebacker position but athletic traits shine. Immediate role player at the next level who will step in and make an instant impact. Height and length will cap his ceiling but has every opportunity to become a top 150 NFL draft prospect.”