Sept. 15, 2006
#89 John Carlson
Senior, 6-6, 250
Tight End
Litchfield, Minn./Litchfield
John Carlson opened the 2006 season as Notre Dame’s starting tight end. The senior has seen action in all 24 games over the last two seasons, making eight starts. One of the team’s top reserves at the tight end spot, Carlson also was a standout on special teams the past two campaigns. During that time, the big pass catcher made 454 appearances, recorded 18 tackles (13 solo) and forced a fumble. His pass catching duties have notched him 13 catches for 87 yards with a touchdown last season in the win versus Purdue. A history major in the College of Arts and Letters, Carlson was selected to the Dean’s List for the spring of ’06 … a two-sport standout in high school, he was a member of the Notre Dame basketball team as a freshman and earned a monogram that year. GameDay’s Michael Scholl gives Irish fans a chance to get to know John Carlson.
Scholl: What is your major and why are you interested in that area?
Carlson: I am a history major. I’ve really always been a history buff. I like to watch the History Channel, so it really just interested me the most.
Scholl: What made you pick Notre Dame over the other schools you were interested in?
Carlson: Notre Dame is just Notre Dame. When I came here on my visit, it really just felt like home and a place I belonged. I didn’t quite get that feeling anywhere else.
Scholl: What is your hardest class?
Carlson: The hardest class I’ve had was on science and the environment. It was very challenging class.
Scholl: What is your favorite class?
Carlson: I love all my history classes. Wars really fascinate me and I took a class on World War II that was probably my favorite, if I had to pick one.
Scholl: Who were your sports idols as a kid?
Carlson: You know, I’d love to say some great tight end was my idol, but I don’t think I really had any sports idols. I just wanted to go out there and make myself a better football player.
Scholl: What has been the athletic highlight of your career?
Carlson: Scoring a touchdown against Purdue last year was pretty cool. Really anytime you’re a part of a scoring drive, it makes it all worthwhile.
Scholl: As a football player, is there anyone you have modeled your game after?
Carlson: I’d like to say someone like (New York Giants tight end Jeremy) Shockey, but really I just go out there, listen to the coaches to try and make myself the best tight end I can be.
Scholl: What is the one thing in your life you cannot live with out?
Carlson: My girlfriend.
Scholl: Who has been your biggest non-sports role model?
Carlson: My biggest role models have been my parents, by far. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.
Scholl: What is the best advice you have ever been given and who gave it to you?
Carlson: The best advice I’ve ever gotten came from my father. It was to work hard. No matter the results, if you work hard, things will take care of themselves.
Scholl: How have you grown as a person since you’ve arrived at Notre Dame?
Carlson: That’s the great thing about Notre Dame, it challenges you to grow as a person. I’ve gotten much better at things like managing my time, balancing football with other things. That helps to make me a better person as well as a better athlete.
Scholl: In that regard, how do you balance football with your academic workload?
Carlson: You really just have to manage your time. There’s time for everything to get done, you just need to know what do to and when (to do it).
Scholl: If you were stranded on an island and would only eat one meal, listen to one song, and be with one person; what would you eat, what would you listen to, and who would you bring?
Carlson: I would eat fried chicken, I would listen to XXXXX and I guess I would have to bring my girlfriend.
Scholl: What is your favorite movie?
Carlson: My favorite movie would be Tommy Boy. I love Chris Farley.
Scholl: What song do you have on your iPod that would surprise people?
Carlson: You know I listen to a little bit of everything. I don’t thing there’s really anything on there that is that far-fetched (pauses), at least that I’m willing to admit (laughter).
Scholl: What is the toughest place you’ve played as a college football player?
Carlson: The toughest place that I’ve played is Tennessee. Far and away the loudest and the most people, plus we went in and beat them.
Scholl: When your football career is over, what do you see yourself doing?
Carlson: That’s a good question. I suppose I should think about it a little more, but I really just want to focus on football for now and see how far that takes me.
Scholl: Can you describe what it feels like to play in Notre Dame Stadium?
Carlson: No (laughter), quite honestly, you really can’t describe it. It’s one of those indescribable things that I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to do.
Scholl: What is your favorite thing about playing at Notre Dame?
Carlson: My favorite thing about Notre Dame is the team. I’ve never been a part of a team that comes together like this one does. I don’t know if this is just a special place or what, but those guys out there on that field care about each other and that’s what makes it special.