AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen appears poised to play a more prominent role in Auburn's passing game.

He's already a fan favorite. Lutzenkirchen has 27,000 Twitter followers, and tight ends coach Jay Boulware says he's never seen a player at that position draw the loudest cheers during pre-game introductions like Lutzenkirchen.

The senior did lead the Tigers with seven touchdown catches last season and already owns the school's career mark for a tight end with 14. Offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler has brought a pro-style passing game and had a tight end as his leading receiver at Temple last season.

Lutzenkirchen's popularity among Tigers fans was all but assured by a game-winning score against Alabama in a 28-27 comeback victory two years ago to keep Auburn on track for a national title.