SOUTH BEND (AP) — A standout football player from Fort Wayne Dwenger High School has announced he plans to play at Notre Dame beginning in 2009.

Tyler Eifert, who played tight end and safety last season, announced his plans Tuesday.

Eifert chose the Irish even though his father, Greg, played basketball at Purdue, including starting during the 1983-84 season, and is active with a local alumni group.

The younger Eifert, who is 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, will join former Dwenger teammate John Goodman on the Notre Dame roster.

"It's about how great the school is and the football tradition they have there," Eifert said. "It's just an opportunity I couldn't pass up. Definitely with John going there and Fort Wayne being such a big Notre Dame town, it definitely influenced me."

Eifert was recruited to Notre Dame as an athlete, meaning it isn't yet known what position he'll play in college. He could play tight end, wide receiver, safety or outside linebacker.

Greg Eifert joked that he expects to get a telephone call from his former Purdue coach, Gene Keady. "I dread when I get that phone call," he said.

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis and his staff aren't allowed to comment on recruits until national signing day Feb. 4.