Syracuse football recruiting: PA slot receiver Cooper Lutz commits to Orange

Just two days after adding four-star center Tyrone Sampson, Syracuse Orange football has added another name to the 2018 class.

According to Scout, which first reported the news, Pennsylvania slot receiver/running back Cooper Lutz has committed to SU, following an unofficial visit. Lutz is 6 feet tall and 194 pounds, while running a sub-4.5-second 40-yard dash. That combination of speed and size — at least compared to other slot receivers at SU -- could be a huge asset.

Lutz is currently unrated, and has offers from Army, Columbia and Navy (so he’s a smart kid). He’s from Berks Catholic High School in Reading, Penn. One of the reasons he may lack in terms of offers just yet is his injury during his junior season, which sidelined him for eight games.

Scout recruiting analyst Brian Dohn had this to say about Lutz as well:

"As a running back, Lutz has very good body control and he moves quickly in tight spaces, and I can see him getting in and out of breaks quickly and have some elusiveness after a catch. He has good acceleration and speed, and his change of direction is a positive.”

The running back portion may not seem applicable if Syracuse is going to play him as a slot receiver. But once you have the ball in your hands, those running skills work for anyone. Having someone who “moves quickly in tight spaces” is a plus, especially once Ervin Philips graduates after this coming season.

He’s a two way player in high school, though it doesn’t appear that SU will be tabbing him to do the same here.

Lutz is now the fourth commitment for the Orange in the class of 2018. He joins Sampson, tight end Gabe Horan and athlete Trill Williams in what’s already shaping up to be an interesting and exciting group.

Highlights below for those who’d like to check out Lutz in action. Welcome aboard, Cooper!