KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said Tuesday that sophomore defensive back Boo Carter is with the Volunteers as they start preseason practice.
When Carter gets back on the field, however, remains to be seen after he reportedly missed workouts this summer.
Heupel declined to get into details.
"Boo is a part of our team here," Heupel said. "There's some things that he's got to accomplish to get back on the field with us. Don't have a set timeline on that. Our leadership council has been a part of those things, those discussions with me and with Boo."
Heupel said he's proud of the leadership council. The coach said he'll be the one handling all questions on Carter early in camp.
Tennessee lost starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who transferred to UCLA, just before the spring game in April. Heupel said then that nobody was "bigger than the Power T."
Carter made the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman team for his play in 13 games, with five starts last season. He ranked sixth on the defense with 38 tackles, including 28 solo. He also led the SEC averaging 16.5 yards per punt return.
Tennessee gave him work as a slot receiver during spring practice, allowing Carter a chance to follow in the two-way footsteps of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. The Vols need Carter this season with cornerback Jermod McCoy recovering from an ACL injured sustained earlier this year.
The Vols start practice Wednesday needing a new starting quarterback. Jake Merklinger, transfer Joey Aguilar and freshman George MacIntyre will compete for the job for a program that made the College Football Playoff only to be routed by eventual champion Ohio State.
Tennessee opens the season Aug. 30 in Atlanta against Syracuse. Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle said they are looking for a quarterback who can run the offense, not just throw the ball hardest or farthest.
"It's about who can operate this offense that when we take the field gives us a chance to win," Halzle said.