Deion Sanders’ Colorado defense has undergone a shift following the late exit of defensive coordinator Robert Livingston. However, the unit is already flashing promise under new DC Chris Marve, with newcomers like Boo Carter standing out during spring practices.
Deion Sanders’ Nickels Coach Kevin Mathis Issues Reality Check to Boo Carter at Colorado
Carter has been steadily making plays throughout spring practice, both on the ball and by making tackles in the open field to prevent explosive gains. Colorado nickels coach Kevin Mathis knows what sets Carter apart, but he had a reality check for the newcomer at Boulder.
“Just the things that he does on the football field, some of the things that he does, some of the movements that he makes, some of the plays that he makes, and just his knowledge of understanding himself,” Mathis said. “He knows exactly what his strengths are. He knows what his weaknesses are.
“So he understands how to play to his strengths, and he knows how to overplay. For the things that he’s known, he’s weak at, you know, I’m saying, in order when you know that, and it makes you a better football player. Now he has the ability. Like I said, he has the talent, but he has to be consistent doing it.”
Carter began playing football at a young age and was coached by his father, Coach T. His explosiveness and physicality stood out early, helping shine a spotlight on other talented athletes from the Chattanooga area.
Carter joined Coach Prime’s squad after spending two seasons with the Tennessee Volunteers. His 2025 season was limited, as he didn’t see much action late in the year under Josh Heupel. He finished the season ranked No. 212 among cornerbacks nationally in the PFSN College Football CB Impact Metric.
Carter’s speed is a trait the Buffaloes can leverage to defend against deep passes, with Mathis already drawing comparisons to Colorado Heisman winner Travis Hunter.
“He’s probably gonna be one of the most talented guys I’ve ever coached besides Travis,” Mathis said. “There’s no doubt about the talent being there. There’s no doubt about his knowledge of the football game. We just have to get him to be consistent on every play.
“Once he does that, once he gets the mentality to be a professional, and that’s playing every play, and locking in, and doing, and straining on every play. But the talent is there, there’s no doubt about it. The knowledge is there. It’s up to us to get him to understand that he needs to bring that every play.”
Carter’s tenure at Tennessee began with an SEC All-Freshman selection but ended with his dismissal from the program. As he is now expected to take on the slot corner role at Colorado, Mathis, Sanders, and the Buffaloes staff will be looking for him to break out in 2026 fully.
