Aug. 25, 2016
By Charles Goldberg
AuburnTigers.com
AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn place-kicker and team guy Daniel Carlson built his reputation on accuracy and long field goals last season. He says he'd be OK if things are a little different this season.
"Hopefully, we get a lot of extra points. That's fine with me, too," he says.
Either way, Carlson and other Tigers continued to win preseason recognition Thursday.
Carlson, offensive lineman Alex Kozan and defensive end Carl Lawson were named to the coaches' preseason first-team All-SEC team Thursday. Named to the second team from Auburn were offensive lineman Braden Smith and defensive lineman Montravius Adams. Defensive back Rudy Ford and return specialist Marcus Davis won third-team honors.
It was more of the same for Carlson, Kozan, Lawson, Adams and Ford, who are watch lists for national awards as well. Carlson, a finalist for the Lou Groza Award as the top kicker last season, is back on the watch list for this season's honor.
"It's an awesome experience just to be there and a great honor to be even nominated," Carlson said.
Carlson hit 23 of his 27 field goal attempts last season, including 8-of-10 tries from 40 yards or longer. Only 49 of his 69 kickoffs were in the end zone and not returned.
He hit five field goals in the spring A-Day Game, including one from 52 yards and another from 55.
"This year it's a different mindset going into the offseason," Carlson said. "I've had to be smart about t"hat and make sure I'm pushing myself every day."
Kozan is on the watch list for the Outland.
Lawson and Ford is on the watch list for Bednarik Award, which recognizes college football's best defensive player. Ford is up for the Paul Hornung Award, which recognizes the game's most versatile player. Adams is on the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Outland Trophy, which recognizes the best interior lineman in the country.
Charles Goldberg is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @AUGoldMine