While Philip Lutzenkirchen's pass-catching acumen is unquestioned and his blocking ability is improving, his skill as a recruiter leaves plenty of question marks.
The Auburn tight end from Lassiter High School has made some of the biggest catches in the Tigers' improbable season, but he somehow allowed his sister to make a soccer commitment to Alabama.
"I think she just fell in love with Alabama, as sad as it is to say," Lutzenkirchen said with a laugh on Monday.
Abby Lutzenkirchen's decision to join the Crimson Tide -- she made a recruiting visit over Iron Bowl weekend, no less -- rates as one of the few things that hasn't gone Philip's way this fall. While quarterback Cameron Newton's performance has grabbed most of the attention, Lutzenkirchen's role in the Tigers' ascension is undeniable.
The Tigers' improbable ride continues this Saturday at the Georgia Dome against South Carolina for the SEC championship. Lutzenkirchen has relished the journey.
"It's been a blessing," Lutzenkirchen said of the season. "We really didn't know what kind of team we were going to have at the beginning of the year. We didn't know what kind of athlete we had in Cam."
Lutzenkirchen has made his own splash. After playing as a backup as a true freshman last year, Lutzenkirchen has started at tight end and caught 12 passes, five for touchdowns.
"He's made some huge catches for us," coach Gene Chizik said.
Most memorable, he caught a misdirection throwback pass from Newton for the go-ahead score against Alabama. The touchdown finalized a Tigers' rally from a 24-0 deficit and undoubtedly will become of Auburn football lore.
"Cam rolled out to the right; I just released to the left," Lutzenkirchen said. "I was just thinking, ‘Please don't drop this.'"
Lutzenkirchen, who also had two touchdown catches against Georgia, would seem to have little concern over the reliability of his hands. He caught 72 passes as a senior at Lassiter. By Auburn tight ends coach Jay Boulware's estimation, he has the best hands on the team.
It's his blocking that has progressed after Lutzenkirchen essentially played wide receiver at Lassiter. He arrived at Auburn last year with blocking skills that were not existent, according to Boulware.
"We just had to take him from scratch and try to build him up from there," Boulware said.
Lutzenkirchen improved enough as a blocker to become the starter this season. He flip-flops between tight end, taking a three-point stance on the line, and H-back in the backfield. His versatility, blocking and pass-catching have made him a valuable asset.
With his help, the Tigers are on pace to break school records for average points and total offense per game.
"He's exactly what you look for in a tight end, which is a good blocker and a great pass receiver," Boulware said.
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