Lutzenkirchen will return

Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen will return for his senior season.

Lutzenkirchen, the Tigers' career record holder for touchdown catches by a tight end, had considered entering the NFL Draft.

"I'm excited to be coming back to Auburn for my senior season and help us work towards our goal we set every year, which is playing in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta," Lutzenkirchen said. "It was an easy decision to make and finishing 2011 with a win in the Chick-fil-A Bowl will be huge in helping us prepare for 2012."

Lutzenkirchen just completed one of the best seasons by a tight end in Auburn history. As a junior in 2011, Lutzenkirchen caught 24 passes for 238 yards (9.9 avg.) and seven touchdowns. His seven scores is the most in a single season by a tight end in Auburn history.

"We're looking forward to Philip returning for his senior season," Auburn head coach Gene Chizik said. "The success he's had at Auburn will help provide great leadership for our team in 2012."

Lutzenkirchen also holds the Auburn career touchown receptions record by a tight end with 14. In his first three seasons at Auburn, Lutzenkirchen has 44 receptions for 489 yards and the 14 touchdowns.

Junior running back Onterio McCalebb and receiver Emory Blake are considering leaving early to the NFL, but neither has made a decision, according to sources.