Ga. tight end commits to Tigers

By Collin Mickle

Published: May 17, 2008

Phillip Lutzenkirchen’s college decision came down to two sets of Tigers.

The Marietta, Ga., tight end narrowed his college choices down to Auburn and Clemson early in the recruiting process. Friday, he narrowed the list again, leaving Auburn alone at the top.

Lutzenkirchen, considered one of the nation’s top tight-end prospects, plans to sign with Auburn on National Signing Day in February. The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder also had scholarship offers from Florida State, Georgia Tech, Stanford and Mississippi State, among others.

Lutzenkirchen told Auburnsports.com that offensive coordinator Tony Franklin’s system was a big part of Auburn’s appeal.

“The offense they run is the exact same system as we run, the same terminology,” he said. “I know the spot I’ll be playing, the ‘Y’ receiver, will get a lot of balls thrown at them. That was definitely a big part of me picking Auburn.”

Lutzenkirchen caught 46 passes for 496 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

He is Auburn’s eighth commitment for the 2009 recruiting class. He joins defensive linemen Terrance Coleman and Jamontay Pilson, linebacker Harris Gaston, wideout Brandon Heavens, quarterback Raymond Cotton and two junior-college players, linebacker Eltoro Freeman and defensive end Wilfred Journet.

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