For nearly ten years, the Auburn football has had a starting kicker with the last name “Carlson.” Following Daniel Carlson’s insanely successful career on the Plains, spanning from 2014-2017, he was replaced by his younger brother Anders in 2018.
Towards the end of last season, the Tigers faced trouble when Anders Carlson tore his ACL in his non-kicking leg during the Mississippi State game. Backup Ben Patton took over last year, but this year the Auburn football team welcomed true freshman kicker Alex McPherson.
Younger brother of Evan, who is currently kicking in the NFL, Alex McPherson hails from Fort Payne, AL, and was the #1 kicker in the recruiting class of 2022. He holds the state record for a 61-yard kick as a high-schooler.
It is expected that he will take over next season after Anders Carlson moves on from Auburn, but is it possible that he sees the field this season?
Though Anders has missed only two field goals this season–one against Missouri and one against LSU–this is no small thing, and he is only 3-9 on kicks over 30 yards since the Ole Miss matchup last season. However, both head coach Bryan Harsin and quarterback Robby Ashford voiced their support of Anders to the media, per Auburn Undercover:
"“Alex is ready, but Anders still has our full support,” Harsin said. “And this week is going to be a great week to get back on track and be consistent in the Georgia game.”"
It’s very likely that the Tigers won’t risk an injury to McPherson or a blow to Carlson’s confidence by switching up the depth chart ahead of the Deep South’s Biggest Rivalry matchup against Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs this weekend, but it’s nice to know that such talent is waiting in the wings should we need him to take the field.