Dec. 29, 2016
By Jeff Shearer
AuburnTigers.com
NEW ORLEANS - That Daniel Carlson put himself in a position where leaving early for the NFL was an option is a testament to his talent.
That he's decided to return for his senior season is a reason for celebration for Auburn fans.
"I'll be around next year and hopefully have a big (season)," said Carlson Thursday after Auburn's second practice at Tulane.
"That's something I've been talking about with coaches, right now," he said. "It was more, just checking my options. But I think my heart is definitely towards coming back. That's what I've been really working on, just praying a lot about these last couple weeks."
Carlson, who graduated in finance in August and is working on an MBA, is Auburn's all-time leader in field goal percentage (.827), connecting on 67 of 81 attempts.
A two-time finalist for the Lou Groza Award, Carlson's return in 2017 will provide another opportunity to pursue the award that's given each year to college football's finest kicker.
"I'd love to," he said. "Third time is the charm, hopefully."
At Thursday's outdoor practice, Carlson and the kicking team dealt with a steady headwind, an inconvenience that won't be a concern in Monday's Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
"That was really tough," he said. "Pretty strong wind against me, but it's always good practice. Obviously, we'll be kicking in the dome, so won't have to deal with any of that for the game. That's always a treat for a kicker, not having to deal with that. I've heard it's an awesome place to play, so we're really excited."
The No. 14 Tigers play No. 7 Oklahoma Monday at 7:30 p.m.
"It's obviously an unbelievable bowl game, one of the best you could ever play in," Carlson said. "A lot of guys watch the Sugar Bowl every year growing up. It's special to be here. It's been a fun week so far for us as players. Obviously, we're going to play a great opponent. It's just another opportunity to play another great team and hopefully get a big win."
A win would give the Tigers a 9-4 record. If it comes down to a field goal, Carlson will be ready.
"Obviously, they're a really good team," he said. "Huge opportunity. Awesome bowl game. It just carries some momentum, and cap off a solid year, and hopefully build some momentum for next year."
This may look like @LeoDiCaprio, but it's actually @DanielCarlson38 @FootballAU PK: "A great opportunity for us to cap off our season." pic.twitter.com/Ldi6SAPNIw
- Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) December 29, 2016
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @jeff_shearer