Prospect on the rise

A prospect rising up the recruiting charts is tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen. Lutzenkirchen ,6-4 and 245 pounds, is from Marietta (Ga.) Lassiter. Last season as a junior he caught 46 passes for 496 yards and seven touchdowns. Lutzenkirchen also recorded 48 tackles playing linebacker on defense. Those are big numbers for this rising senior. Still, he has a chance to have even better ones this fall.

"We just started (spring practice) yesterday with a new coaching staff. We are running the spread and I will catch a lot of balls. I will flex out wide and play in the slot. It's a great offense for me because I can use my athleticism. Teams underestimate me because of my speed and size. I do a good job of catching ball and seeing it in. I make plays in the passing game and I block pretty well."

According to Lutzenkirchen he has scholarship offers from eight schools, Auburn, Florida State, Clemson, Troy, Mississippi State, N.C. State, Stanford, and Georgia Tech. All have offered him as a tight end but the Yellow Jackets. They like him as a linebacker.

"I prefer to play offense because I love catching the football."

At this time Lutzenkirchen is still considering quite a few schools but three stand out.

"I am pretty open between Auburn, Clemson and Stanford.

"Auburn runs the same offense that we do. It's the same terminology and routes. Knowing their offense would be a huge plus if I were to go there. I have been talking with Coach (Tony) Franklin once a week and I really like him. He's a straight shooter.

"We have a lake house near Clemson on Lake Hartwell. It's close only about 15 minutes from Clemson. I love the coaches there, especially coach Napier and West.

"Stanford academics are super and I love the campus. Being out in California would be neat. I also like the coaches. They are very easy to get along with."

Lutzenkirchen has been to see all three of those campuses. He has also been to Georgia Tech and Miami and he hopes to get to FSU before making his decision.

"I talk to those schools a lot. I would like to see Florida State before I make my decision. Right now my plan is to commit after spring practice is over in late May or early June.

"Getting my degree is the main thing. I am also looking for a family base. Being comfortable will be a big factor as well."