Help from high school hoops
Carlson was the starting center for his high school basketball team, and as a senior he was a McDonald's preseason hoops All-American.

He helped his prep team win three state titles, and finished his high school basketball career with over 1,600 points, almost 1,000 rebounds, and over 400 assists. He was also on Notre Dame's basketball team as a freshman.

Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis has said Carlson's basketball background really helps at the tight end position.

Weis pointed out that with his excellent hands, Carlson came into this season with the potential to be a solid receiving tight end, and he's certainly making the most of his opportunity.

I concur with coach Weis that Carlson's high school basketball experience has helped him considerably in becoming such a solid pass catching threat. It has aided him in terms of footwork, and getting his body in the proper position to make catches.

It also helps him use his body to establish position where the defender doesn't have much of a chance to break up the pass. His ability to catch the ball with his hands is just like his ability to snatch a rebound off the rim. 

Taking a fifth?
I would say Carlson is a fast Mark Bavaro, although I don't know if he is as tough as Bavaro, who was by far the toughest tight end I ever played with.

Although not definite, it appears Carlson will be among the senior starters applying to play a fifth season. I think his decision will come after he gauges where he stands in the eyes of NFL scouts.

You don't leave early to get drafted in the third round, but if you can get accurate information that if you enter the NFL draft, you'll be picked in the first or second rounds, then you do it.

Even at 256 pounds, Carlson is pretty lean. He could probably carry 270 pounds, but the thing that is most important is not sacrificing speed for strength or bulk.

If you look at Carlson's arms, you'll see that he already has the strength needed to play pro football.

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So at the next level if he can keep his weight around where it is, he'll be a fleet tight end, who is a double threat having the ability to block effectively and also to catch passes, especially in clutch situations.

If Carlson comes back to Notre Dame next season it could very well be as the best tight end in college football. And with the departures of Samardzija and McKnight, and a new quarterback, he will be counted on heavily in the Irish offense.

Weis gave Fasano his blessing to turn pro since he thought the time was right for him to do so. It remains to be seen what will happen with Carlson after this season, but needless to say the Irish would love to have him back in 2007.

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