Arion Carter

NFL Draft Profile: Arion Carter

Position: Linebacker | School: Tennessee | Class: Junior

Height: 6'1" | Weight: 235 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid (Coverage / Run Stopper)

College Career Summary

Arion Carter arrived at Tennessee as a highly-touted four-star recruit from Smyrna, TN, where he was the Class 6A Mr. Football as a running back/linebacker. His freshman year (2023) was cut short by a shoulder injury, but he exploded onto the scene in 2024 as a full-time starter, recording 68 tackles and an interception against Florida. In 2025, Carter became the undisputed leader of the Vols' defense. Despite battling turf toe in both feet during the latter half of the season, he led the SEC in tackles per game (7.6) and was named Second-Team All-SEC. Known for his background as a track star (hurdler), he brings elite speed and fluidity to the second level of the defense.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 31 (22 Starts)

• Total Tackles: 161

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 13.5

• Sacks: 1.5

• Interceptions: 1

• Pass Breakups: 9

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Syracuse	9 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Explosive start; showed improved pass-rush timing.
vs. ETSU	4 Tkl	B	Efficient in limited reps; clean tackling.
vs. Georgia	14 Tkl	A	Career high at the time; stood tall against elite size.
vs. UAB	5 Tkl	B+	Disciplined in gap integrity; neutralized the edge.
@ Miss. State	17 Tkl, 1 PBU	A+	Season Best. Tied FBS single-game high; game-winning PBU in OT.
vs. Arkansas	8 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	A-	High IQ; diagnosed the RPO game flawlessly.
@ Alabama	4 Tkl	C+	Turf toe injury began to sap his lateral Agility.
@ Kentucky	DNP	N/A	Out with turf toe.
vs. Oklahoma	2 Tkl	D+	Worst Game. Clearly limited by injury; played only 17 snaps.
vs. NM State	DNP	N/A	Out with turf toe.
@ Florida	6 Tkl, 1 FF	B+	Gritty return; forced a crucial fumble to swing momentum.
vs. Vanderbilt	7 Tkl, 2 TFL, 0.5 Sk	A-	Capped the regular season with high-impact backfield play.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Sideline-to-Sideline Range: A former 300m hurdles state qualifier, Carter’s Speed and Acceleration are high-end. He erases horizontal plays and tracks down dual-threat QBs with ease.

• Modern Coverage Skills: Because of his background as a skill player (RB), he possesses rare Footwork for a linebacker. He can mirror TEs in man or navigate deep zone drops fluidly.

• Intangibles & IQ: Voted to the SEC Leadership Council. He is the "Green Dot" communicator who calls the front and checks the coverage.

• High Motor: Even when hampered by dual turf toe injuries in late 2025, his effort stayed at 100%. He is a relentless Competitor.

Weaknesses

• Undersized Frame: At 6'1", 235 lbs, he lacks prototypical length. He can get swallowed by climbing guards in the run game if he doesn't win with his first step.

• Injury History: Both his 2023 (shoulder) and 2025 (turf toe) seasons saw him miss time. Scouts will scrutinize his Durability during the medical check.

• Block Shedding: Relies more on Agility to dip around blocks than on "shock and shed" power. Needs to develop a stronger punch to disengage from NFL-level tackles.

Scheme Fit: Ideal WILL Linebacker in a 4-3 or a Sub-Package Dime Backer.

NFL Comparison: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Browns)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 20/20 | Physical Tools: 16/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 19/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 90/100

Arion Carter is the prototype for the modern NFL "Space Backer." While he doesn't meet the size requirements of an old-school thumper, his ability to play three downs and negate passing attacks is extremely valuable. His Mental Toughness was proven by playing through significant pain in 2025, and his production in the SEC (leading the league in tackles per game) is undeniable. If he clears medicals, he is a Day 2 lock.

Draft Projection: 2nd - 3rd Round