
An Air Force safety with a classic Academy edge
Mark Carlson has been a reliable, assignment-sound defensive back for Air Force, and the clearest stat anchor from his earlier Falcon years is a 73-tackle season in 2004, showing a player who was active, durable, and trusted to clean up plays. He fits the Air Force mold: physical, disciplined, and flexible enough to handle scheme changes, with ESPN noting he moved from free safety into the Falcon role as a “perfect fit.” If you want a safety who brings toughness, intelligence, and steady backside support more than flash, Carlson’s profile checks the box.