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Georgia tight end commits to Auburn

Auburn picked up a huge commitment Friday night when one of the nation's top tight end prospects announced his intentions to sign with the Tigers in February.

Marietta (Ga.) Lassiter's Philip Lutzenkirchen, 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, chose Auburn over offers from Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Stanford, Mississippi State, among others.

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Lutzkenkirchen narrowed his list down to Auburn and Clemson before picking the SEC Tigers before his spring football game.

"I've been down to Auburn about three times, but the first time I was there I knew," said Lutzenkirchen. "I knew that's where I wanted to go. I've known since March Auburn was where I wanted to go, but I just kind-of kept it to myself and didn't rush anything."

A trio of Tiger coaches recruited Lutzenkirchen to Auburn. Area recruiter Don Dunn, tight ends coach Steve Ensminger and offensive coordinator Tony Franklin all played a part in him choosing AU.

"They are all great. They are straightforward," he said. "They didn't just tell me stuff that I wanted to hear. They are some straight shooters and that's how I want my coaches to be."

As a junior, Lutzenkirchen hauled in 46 catches for 496 yards (10.8 avg.) and seven touchdowns. He'll play in the spread offense this year under new coach Chip Lindsey. Auburn's new offense under Franklin, Lutzenkirchen said, was also a big factor in his decision.

"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 is Auburn's eighth commitment in the 2009 class joining DL Terrence Coleman, DL Jamontay Pilson, LB Harris Gaston, ATH Brandon Heavens, QB Raymond Cotton, JUCO LB Eltoro Freeman and JUCO DE Wilfred Journet.

Lutzenkirchen said his commitment to Auburn is firm. He doesn't plan to explore any other options.

"I'm done. I'm definitely going to Auburn," he said. "I really can't wait to get down to Auburn."

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