2005: Played in all 12 games at tight end and on special teams ... started six games at tight end when the Irish started in multiple-tight end sets ... was the special teams player of the week against Michigan State ... made seven receptions for 56 yards and one TD during the season, including a then career-best 22-yard catch ... had 13 tackles (nine solos) and a forced fumble on special teams. Logged 155:32 of playing time with 263 special teams appearances.

2004: Played in 12 games at tight end, starting twice (Stanford and Navy) ... finished the season with six catches for 31 yards (5.2-yard average) ... was a major contributor on special teams. Made 191 special teams appearances and played 29:55 at tight end.

2003: Did not see action as a tight end during his rookie season ... also played on the Irish basketball team and earned a monogram ... played in two games for the Irish on the hardwood after joining the team in January.

High School: Graduated from Litchfield (Minn.) High School. A four-year starter at tight end ... a three-time all-conference selection and two-time all-state honoree ... caught 41 passes, seven for TDs, for 471 yards as senior in 2002 ... made 79 tackles and two sacks at defensive end ... career totals included 95 catches for 1,331 yards and 23 TDs ... rushing stats were 133 attempts for 493 yards and seven TDs, while also returning kicks ... totaled 30 TDs in his career and scored 194 points ... had 200 career tackles, including 96 solos ... played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio ... starting center in basketball who helped team compile a 114-8 record during his career while winning the Minnesota Class 2A state title three times ... named first-team all-state as a senior, honorable mention as a junior and second team as a sophomore ... finished his prep basketball career with 1,676 points, 974 rebounds and 412 assists ... was a McDonald's preseason All-American in basketball as a senior ... conference MVP as a junior and senior and was a four-time all-conference and all-area selection ... played in the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association All-Star game ... also played tennis, helping his team reach the state finals as a junior ... finished with a career record of 106-22 playing No. 1 doubles ... three-time all-conference selection in tennis ... two-time participant in the individual state tennis tournament and four-time letterman.

Personal: One of four children. Full name is John David Carlson ... born May 12, 1984, in St. Cloud, Minn. ... graduated in May 2007 from the College of Arts and Letters, with a degree in history ... earned a 3.917 grade-point average in `07 spring semester and finished with a cumulative 3.633 average as Dean's List honoree ... enrolled in graduate studies.