NFL DraftProspect Interviews

Boomin’ in Las Cruces: Josh Carlson of New Mexico State University has a huge leg

Josh Carlson totaled 2,421 yards on 53 punt attempts, averaging 45.7 yards per punt. He pinned 14 punts inside the 20 and had 17 punts over 50 yards. 

Boomin’ in Las Cruces by: Justin Aaron Kelm (@JustinAaronUH91

You’d say, specials teams are my niche. I recently spoke with Redshirt Sophomore punter Josh Carlson with New Mexico State University. I had the honor of seeing Carlson play in person while he was a member of Dixie State University. During his freshman year in 2018 with the Trailblazers, he was named an AFCA Division II First-Team All-American. Carlson totaled 2,421 yards on 53 punt attempts, averaging 45.7 yards per punt. He pinned 14 punts inside the 20 and had 17 punts over 50 yards. 

At the time, Dixie State was a Division II program. They have transitioned currently to Division I FCS. 

Carlson redshirted in 2019 after transferring from Dixie State University to New Mexico State University. From St. George, Utah to Las Cruces, New Mexico. The Aggies are currently a Division I FBS member as a independent. The 2020 season was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Aggies played in two games. Punted 10 total times, averaging 44.7 yards per punt. He placed four of his 10 kicks inside the 20 yardline and had two punts of at least 50 yards. He blasted a career best punt against the Tarleton State University Texans on February 21, 2021. The punt went 56 yards. Well that was shattered this fall season as Carlson topped it with a 67 yard punt. Carlson and the Aggies host Hawaii on Saturday, September 25. Carlson will look to add towards his punting yards total this weekend as well as help the Aggies by pinning the Warriors deep. 

What does it mean to be at NMSU?

Being at NMSU means the world to me man. They were the one school that really showed interest and trust in me, and it just seemed like a great fit for me. I love Las Cruces, New Mexico, and the community here is just awesome!

What are your goals?

I just want to become the best punter that I can be and help the team out as best as I can. I definitely want to be one of the top punters in the country and eventually get to the next level of football! I still have a lot of work that I need to do, but I am very determined and I am going to keep working hard. 

How long have you been playing football? 

I have been playing football ever since I was a little kid, but I didn’t start punting until my freshman year of high school. 

Twitter: @_joshcarlson_

Instagram: _joshcarlson_

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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