Tennessee linebackers coach William Inge believes Arion Carter hasn’t let his NCAA suspension change his approach to fall camp.
Instead, Inge said the senior linebacker has remained composed, focused, and committed to preparing for when he returns to the field.
“You don’t know that that is a scenario for him because what he is, he’s very patient, he’s very calm, and he understands, ‘I still have to turn the page to the next play,'” Inge said. “Whenever he gets on the football field, he wants to make sure that he can be prepared, ready to go, and help our football team win football games.”
Carter was suspended two games by the NCAA after accepting a flight during the NFL draft evaluation process before returning to Tennessee. Inge echoed head coach Josh Heupel’s disappointment with the ruling, saying the punishment no longer reflects the realities of modern college athletics.
“I think it was more of a disappointing scenario,” Inge said. “The punishment doesn’t fit the crime with how the landscape has evolved and changed.”
Despite missing spring practice while recovering from injury, Inge said Carter still made significant progress learning defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ scheme.
“He probably got more film study, more individual walk-through time than anyone in the organization when it comes to learning our defense,” Inge said. “He was able to get the infancy stages of how everything was installed.”
Carter’s impact also extends beyond the field.
Inge identified Carter, Jeremiah Telander, and Amare Campbell as the veteran leaders setting the standard for one of Tennessee’s deepest position groups.
“We have three veterans in Amare, Arion, and Telander who are doing a really good job of being able to set that example, so all the other guys know what to follow and how to follow,” Inge said.
While Carter will miss Tennessee’s first two games, Inge expressed confidence the senior will be ready once he becomes eligible.
“Whenever he gets on the football field, he wants to make sure that he can be prepared, ready to go, and help our football team win football games,” Inge said.
