Tennessee rookie Arion Carter named Preseason True Freshman All-American by On3
The positive reviews keep rolling in for Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter. The former four-star, who chose the Big Orange over Alabama prior to National Signing Day, raised eyebrows in bowl practices and over the spring. Following a strong fall camp, Carter has been tabbed as a Preseason True Freshman All-American by the On3 Network.
Standing in at 6-foot-1 and 227 pounds, the Smyrna standout is poised to play a big role for the Tennessee defense this fall. Situated behind projected veteran starters Aaron Beasley and Keenan Pili, the freshman will likely be one of the first off the bench for position coach Brian Jean-Mary and is expected to be a heavy part of the middle-layer rotation on the defense.
“There’s never going to be perfection,” Jean-Mary said earlier in fall camp. “Youth always equals mistakes, and we just want to limit the amount.
“The thing with Arion is that he plays so hard, fast and is a great athlete. He’s able to overcome some of those mistakes that maybe some other people can’t.”
Carter was the No. 2 prospect in the state and the 11th linebacker in the class, a part of the 2023 cycle. He was tabbed as the No. 125 overall prospect according to the On3 Industry Rankings after earning the Tennessee Class 6A Mr. Football Award as a senor in 2022.
The linebacker, who was a one-time running back commit to Memphis, finished his high school senior year with 92 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception. Carter also led Smyrna with 1,184 rushing yards on 185 carries with 19 touchdowns.
On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power on Arion Carter…
“Probably the fastest rising prospect early on last fall.… Saw his recruitment completely blow up. … Huge in-state get for Tennessee. Very active, physical, fast linebacker who is receiving a lot of positive buzz.
“… The returns are pretty impressive so far on Carter. I think with Tennessee, they’re looking at continuing to improve their defense, and Carter is primed to make an impact as a freshman.”
2023 Preseason On3 True Freshman All-Americans
QB Jaden Rashada, Arizona State
RB Rueben Owens, Texas A&M
WR Zachariah Branch, USC
WR Eugene Wilson II, Florida
WR Ayden Williams, Ole Miss
TE Ka’Morreun Pimpton, LSU
OL Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami
OL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
OL Spencer Fano, Utah
OL Zalance Heard, LSU
EDGE Damon Wilson, Georgia
EDGE Cameron Lenhardt, Nebraska
DL Peter Woods, Clemson
DL Keldric Faulk, Auburn
LB Anthony Hill, Texas
LB Arion Carter, Tennessee
LB Pup Howard, South Carolina
S Caleb Downs, Alabama
S Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma
CB Cormani McClain, Colorado
CB Ja’Keem Jackson, Florida
