Lassiter’s Philip Lutzenkirchen has stared coaching legend Bobby Bowden in the eyes. He has rubbed elbows with Urban Meyer before a Florida kickoff. Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh has picked him up in a golf cart.

Those sort of moments have an impact on a person considered one of the hottest recruits in the state of Georgia, right?

“He’s just Lutz to us,” Trojans teammate Camden Wentz said. “He’s a goof.”

Lutzenkirchen, who has been committed to Auburn since May, isn’t lacking in praise these days. Scouts will comment on his athleticism, elusiveness after the catch and body control. His parents and his high school coach will praise his maturity and level-headedness.

But Lutzenkirchen’s greatest quality these days might be remaining normal. When Auburn fired offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, opponents smelled blood in the water. When Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville left the school on Wednesday, Lutzenkirchen became one of the biggest targets for recruiters in the Southeast.

Offers have been coming for weeks from all over the country. South Carolina, North Carolina and Texas Tech were quick to jump in the ring. Florida followed in short order. Scholarships from Georgia and Texas should be coming this week, and Clemson is trying to get its foot back in the door.

“I just keep getting calls from area codes I’ve never heard of,” Lutzenkirchen said. “It’s a little crazy.”

Through all of the upheaval, Lutzenkirchen, a 6-foot-4, 245 pound tight end, has tried to keep his focus on the right things.

“I think Philip was very pleased of how respectful the other schools were when he made his commitment to Auburn,” said Mike Lutzenkirchen, his father. “But when you’re dealing with a firing, they want to see how committed he is now to going there. More than anything, I think he’s enjoyed having the options in front of him.”

One of those is Florida. Lutzenkirchen has taken two unofficial visits to Gainesville, and the trips have certainly piqued his interest.

And how could they not? The Gators are a top-tier program under Meyer, and it doesn’t hurt that the Gators actively use the tight end. Florida sophomore tight end Aaron Hernandez has 26 catches this season and five touchdowns.

Lutzenkirchen is sold, but just not on everything.

“I think there is something about the lifestyle and atmosphere in Gainesville I’m still not comfortable with yet,” Lutzenkirchen said. “They have everything else you could ask for, but I have to be comfortable with where I’m going to school first. That’s the most important thing.”

Lutzenkirchen is not a downfield blocker. He can be, but the beauty of his game is what he can do in space with a ball in his hands. He needs an offense that makes him comfortable.

“I haven’t been fortunate enough to coach anybody like him,” first-year Lassiter coach Chip Lindsey said. “So it was unique and something I put a lot of thought in during the spring and summer about how we could use him.”

Lindsey certainly found ways. The Trojans, running a spread attack, finished the season 9-3 with their first trip to the playoffs since 2000.

Lutzenkirchen finished with 72 catches for 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers are nearly double what he produced as a junior.

During the season, Lutzenkirchen made more than his fair share of dazzling catches, including one against Centennial that warranted a spot on ESPN.

Friends of the family weren’t the only ones to catch the play. Several hundred college coaches did, too, including Tuberville. The highlight came up in conversation two weeks later when Lutzenkirchen traveled to Auburn for an official visit.

At the time, Tuberville answered a lot of questions and concerns for Lutzenkirchen and his family about his long-term status with the Tigers. After Wednesday, it remains unclear which direction Auburn is taking, and consequently which direction Lutzenkirchen will take.

The question now is whether Lutzenkirchen will stick with his commitment. He considered the Tigers his No. 1 team, with Florida a close second. Then it’s a pack of newcomers - the Tar Heels, Gamecocks, Georgia and Texas.

Auburn has everything for the Trojans senior, including the atmosphere, the academics and even the perfect feel —- just not the coach.

“I’ve actually been very proud of how Philip has handled himself through this process,” Mike Lutzenkirchen said. “It’s rewarding for me to see that my son has earned a chance to get a college degree at any number of good schools. Where he ends up, that’s up to him. But I think he’ll make a good choice eventually.”

FAST FACTS

Some interesting tidbits on Philip Lutzenkirchen:

Has taken official visits to Auburn and Florida State. Visited the Gators twice, unofficially.

Considering an official visit to North Carolina, Georgia and Texas.

Plays football and basketball at Lassiter.

Has a close relationship with Auburn tight ends coach Steve Ensminger, who visited his basketball game on Monday.

Caught 42 passes as a junior and 72 as a senior in the spread offense for the Trojans.

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