No. 2-ranked kicker commits to AU, reuniting with brother

Auburn received a commitment Saturday from the No. 2-ranked kicker in the country, and his name is a familiar one to Tigers fans.

Anders Carlson, from Classical Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., will reunite with his older brother, Daniel Carlson, at Auburn next fall.

“It’s always been a dream for me to play big-time, SEC football,” Anders Carlson said. “With my brother being down there, I understand the environment and what it’s like, how they incorporate a lot of family, and I know it’s the right fit for me.”

Anders Carlson chose Auburn after considering several offers, including Oklahoma State, Vanderbilt and Alabama, among others. He informed Auburn special teams coach Scott Fountain of his choice Saturday.

“Coach Fountain and I have known each other for more than a year,” Carlson said. “I came down for camp last summer and that’s when we started our relationship. We’ve been in contact every week since then.

“Coach Fountain has been very supportive of me and I feel like I can trust him. I’m looking forward to the day when he’s my coach.”

Carlson visited Auburn for two games last fall and plans to return this season. He doesn’t plan to entertain any other offers or interest from other schools.

“I love it at Auburn,” Carlson said. “I get to play big-time SEC football and get a degree from the school that I love. For me and my family, it wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right choice.

“I’m done. I’m fully committed. I’m ready to go.”

Carlson, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 185 pounds, has kicked 52-of-57 kickoffs for touchbacks. He’s also connected on field goal attempts from 52 yards out. Twice. That doesn’t sit well with older brother.

“I like to mess with him about it,” Anders Carlson said. “Daniel’s long in high school was a 50-yarder, and I kicked two 52-yarders.”

The brothers come from a family of Alabama fans, but in recruiting, favorites get placed to the side in favor of fit and comfort. It happened for each of the brothers.

“My parents and grandparents are all Alabama, but it’s all about the right fit,” Anders Carlson said. “Daniel was the first to choose Auburn, and Auburn was the right fit for him and it’s the right fit for me.”

Kohlskicking.com ranks Carlson the No. 2 kicker in the 2017 class.