Carlin played on trial for Exeter City reserves against Cullompton on the 23rd of October 2002, City won 4-1 and he scored 3 goals.

He was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He began his career with Arsenal, winning the FA Youth Cup in 2001 with them. However he only made one first-team appearance, as a substitute against Manchester United in the League Cup in November 2001.
Whilst at Arsenal, he  had a brief loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday.
After leaving Arsenal in early 2003, Carlin played for Enfield then Cambridge City, Kettering Town and Fisher Athletic.