2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Phil Lutz, WR, University of Delaware

• Name: Phil Lutz
• Position: WR
• College: University of Delaware
• Height: 6′ 0″
• Weight: 195 lbs.
• X (Twitter): @plutz21
• Instagram: @philiplutzjr

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

My parents put me into many different sports while I was growing up, so I played everything from football to golf. As I grew up, I drew closer to football than any other sport because of the team atmosphere, the intense competition, and the constant challenges that had to be overcome. As I got deeper into my career, I learned to love the game more and more and dreamed of playing at the highest level.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Aside from winning the close games and overcoming the challenges of the game with my teammates, my favorite moments are from the connections that I built with the guys I played with. Things like team dinners before games, early morning lifts, and going through fall camp together are parts of football that I’ll always remember. 

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I’m searching after growth every day both as a player and a person. I do my best to seek out and face the challenges ahead of me as well as put myself in new and uncomfortable situations both on the field and off it. Ultimately my goal is to play at the highest level and compete with/produce against the best. 

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

As cliche as it may sound, I would love to hang out with Tom Brady. Of course, being the greatest football player of all time is shown through his wins, but me being a small school player that played division 3 and transferred to division 1, I would love to hear firsthand about all of the struggles that he went through. Being a player that has been under the radar and passed on multiple times at multiple levels, I love hearing the deeper personal stories about underdogs, especially those that have such an incredible ending. 

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

I would say that my dad is the family member that inspires me the most. Watching him work as hard as he has over the years to support our family and give us the best life possible is the greatest inspiration for me. It has instilled a work ethic and drive within me that I am so grateful for. His support of my football career thus far has also given me even more of a reason to continue my career, I don’t think he has missed a game in 4 years!

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

As a receiver I think the obvious answers would be either a spread offense or an air raid offense. I love the art of route running and the combination of creativity and discipline that it takes to be a receiver. The amount of X plays that these styles of play create also shows the excitement of the offensive side of the ball and the game of football as a whole.

What should we know about Phil Lutz the person?

Over the past few years, I dove deeply into my faith as a Christian. I believe that the lord holds the key to my future and trusting in him and his path for me is the way to success. Doing this has helped me progress both mentally and physically as a high-level athlete, allowing me to perform at my very best using the strength and courage that God has given me. 

What stands out about your film the most?

I believe that my feel for the game, my ability to use a defender’s leverage to get open, and my ability after the catch are the most noticeable when watching my film. Catching the ball and making a man miss is my specialty, and I will show that on the next level!

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Every challenge that I face both on and off the field I face with God by my side. Prayer and study of the word allows me to calm my nerves and understand that he is my strength. It lets me face my problems with a clear head and understand what I need to do to conquer whatever is in front of me.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a hardworking, reliable, smart, do it all player that can make plays wherever they put him. I have good instincts and football IQ that allows me to slow the game down and execute wherever I’m needed to for the team.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love how it brings a group of people together focused towards one single goal, winning. A team atmosphere is so special and grinding towards the same goal with a group of guys for years and builds bonds that grow incredibly strong. I also love the details and the intricacies of the game. It truly is a game of inches, and everyone matters. 

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player that I’ve ever played with was my roommate and center at Tufts University, Blair Horning. At 6’0 260 he was the anchor of our offensive line. He was one of the toughest, hardest working, most reliable dudes that I’ve played with throughout my college career yet never asked for recognition. He absolutely had the ability to work his way into playing at a higher level.