Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert happy to be with Irish

Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert has improved tremendously this season -- a season that may never have occurred, as Notre Dame's talented tight end could have been a selection in last year's NFL Draft.

Instead, Eifert decided to return to Notre Dame for his senior season, and has helped Notre Dame make it all the way to the BCS title game.

Irish coaches have raved about Eifert this season, and tight end coach Scott Booker is adamant that Eifert made the right decision to return for his senior season. Per CSN Chicago:

"Right off the get-go he did a great job of understanding where he wanted to improve," Booker said. "He's able to stay in there and block anybody in the country now and (you see) his ability to be able to separate from cornerbacks when he's out there one-on-one or inside getting separation from second-level defenders."

Through Notre Dame's first 12 games, Eifert hauled in 44 catches for 624 yards and four touchdowns.

At 6'6, 251 pounds, Eifert certainly has the size to succeed at the next level -- and Eifert has certainly proven that he is a capable receiver the past two seasons. With his size and refined blocking skills, Eifert could have a successful career in the NFL.

At the least, Eifert has improved as an all-around player this year, and has a chance to capture a BCS title with his teammates in January -- which might never had happened if Eifert declared for the NFL Draft last year.