UT Linebacker Lands In Top 15 On Feldman’s Freak List
Image: Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
Before the 2025 season officially kicks off, Vols linebacker Arion Carter is already capturing national recognition.
The junior phenom was named No. 12 on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 College football Freaks List, a ranking that highlights the 101 most athletically gifted players in college football.
Carter’s appearance comes as no surprise to those around the Tennessee program. After finishing as the Vols’ top tackler with 68 in 2024, including 6.5 TFLs and an interception, he enters 2025 with lofty expectations.
“The junior linebacker, a team captain, is a more explosive athlete than most running backs,” Feldman stated. “A former 300-meter hurdler in high school, vertical jumped 40.3 inches this offseason. He’s also hit 21.2 mph on the GPS and bench pressed 325 pounds.”
The preseason accolades don’t just stop there for Carter.
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Smyrna, Tennessee native was named to the Dick Butkus Award watch list, which honors the nation’s top linebacker, and received third-team All-SEC recognition. He also represented Tennessee at last month’s SEC Media Days.
