Carlton Buckels
Buckels is now in his third season with NMSU after reviving an Aggie secondary in 2005.
In 2006, Buckels guided standout cornerback Courtney Bryan ranked fifth in the nation in pass defending, a combination of interceptions and pass break-ups. Bryan also finished 44th in the nation in interceptions. As a group the 2006 version of the Aggie secondary grabbed 11 interceptions, 31 pass break-ups and had three of the Aggies’ top-5 leading tacklers. The Aggies improved with four more interceptions then in 2005.
In his first year with the Aggies Buckels coached free safety Matt Griebel, who was third in the conference and ninth in the nation in tackles per game (12.4). Also under Buckels’ guidance defensive back Courtney Bryan was ranked 10th in the nation in passes defended.
Buckels came to NMSU after serving on Hal Mumme’s staff at Southeastern Louisiana. Buckels served as recruiting coordinator and secondary coach for the Lions.
In 2004, the Lion pass defense showed great improvement finishing 52nd in the nation (I-AA) in pass efficiency defense after being ranked 90th in 2003.
Buckels came to SLU from Delta State University where he served as an assistant coach during the 2001-02 seasons. At DSU, Buckels was responsible for defensive backs and was the speed and conditioning coordinator as well as serving as the pro liaison. He was responsible for the recruiting efforts in both Mississippi and Louisiana.
Prior to joining Delta State in 2001, Buckels was a graduate assistant coach at LSU under both Nick Saban and Gerry DiNardo. Buckels worked with the defense and special teams while working on his master’s degree, which he earned in 2001.
Buckels starred for LSU from 1989-92 and had six career interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and was voted team captain and special teams MVP in 1991.
After stints with the Baltimore Colts of the Canadian Football League and Louisiana Bayou Thunder semi-pro team, Buckels returned home to Amite to coach baseball and teach at Amite High School.
From 1996-99, Buckels held numerous positions at Hammond High School helping the Tornadoes to the Class 4A semifinals in 1996 and 1997 as defensive backs coach. He also served as defensive coordinator for one season prior to rejoining the Tigers in Baton Rouge.
While at HHS, Buckels coached Division I signees Fred Booker (LSU), Brock Williams (Notre Dame), Donald Dykes (Notre Dame) and Anwar Ruffin (Southern Mississippi). Williams was a third round draft pick of the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles signed Booker as a free agent.
Buckels was a two-time all-State selection at defensive back at Amite High. He recorded 215 tackles and seven interceptions and returned three punts and three interceptions for touchdowns his junior and senior years.
Buckels File
Personal
Full Name: Carlton T. Buckels
Birthdate/Place: Sept. 13, 1969, Independence, La.
Education
? Amite High School - Amite, La., 1988
? Louisiana State - Baton Rouge, La. (B.A., 1992; MS, 2000)
Playing Career
? Louisiana State - Defensive Back/ Kick Returner, 1989-92
? Baltimore Colts (CFL) - Defensive Back, 1993-94
? Louisiana Bayou Thunder (Semi-pro) - Defensive Back, 1994-95
Coaching Career
? Assistant (Baseball) - Amite HS, 1995-96
? Assistant Coach (Defensive Backs) - Hammond HS, 1996-98
? Assistant Coach (Def. Coord.) - Hammond HS, 1999
? Graduate Asst. Coach (Defensive Backs) - LSU, 1999-2001
? Assistant Coach (Defensive Backs) - Delta State, 2001-02
? Assistant Coach (Defensive Backs) - Southeastern Louisiana, 2003-04
? Assistant Coach (Defensive Backs) - New Mexico State, 2005 -
