Auburn's kicker claims to have 60-yard field goal range

The Auburn Tigers were on the right side of one of football's most famous field goal kicks in the history of the sport, that is to say an attempt that landed just short and was returnable. If Daniel Carlson is being honest, that won't be any issue for the Tigers this season. 

"I think 60 (yards) and in is something I would feel comfortable with and I think that is something we've decided with coach Malzahn," Carlson said according to AL.com. "I've hit some 57, 58-yard attempts and when we back it up, I feel like I have a good strong leg."

Distance may not be a problem for Carlson, but one new factor this season is on Gus Malzahn's mind. Malzhan has expressed concern that the team's new massive video board could negatively affect his specialists during home games, as the wind factor may have shifted from last season. 

"We'll probably go (to Jordan-Hare Stadium) about four times before our first game," Malzahn said. "Not just for Daniel but for our punters and our returners."

One area Carlson won't have to deal with this season is punting duties. After Carlson manned double duties last season the team has added two punters this offseason in Ian Shannon and Kevin Phillips. 

"That takes some pressure and stress off me," Carlson said. "I'm hoping I'll be that much better on kicking because I have that much more time to focus on that. ... Especially that second half of the year once you feel the grind of all those kicks, I just don't think my leg was what it was in the beginning of the year. It was a little more tired and sore after games."

With his concentration fully on his place kicking duties this season, Carlson should have the extra leg to boot those long field goals he's confident he can hit. 

(h/t AL.com)