Transfer Portal: Notre Dame adds former Central Michigan running back Jake Tafelski as preferred walk-on
Central Michigan transfer running back Jake Tafelski committed to Notre Dame as a preferred walk-on, he announced on social media Tuesday afternoon. The graduate student has two years of eligibility remaining.
Tafelski, who is listed at 6-foot, 220 pounds, visited South Bend for the Blue-Gold Game on April 20. On3’s Pete Nakos first reported his visit.
When he enrolls at Notre Dame, Tafelski will join a running back room that includes five scholarship players in juniors Gi’Bran Payne, Jadarian Price, sophomore Jeremiyah Love and freshmen Aneyas Williams and Kedren Young.
He’ll also join Justin Fisher and sophomore Dylan Devezin as preferred walk-ons under running backs coach Deland McCullough.
Tafelski finished his career with the Chippewas with 7 carries for 21 yards and 6 receptions for 42 yards across three seasons, as well as a touchdown run in 2022. He played in 23 of 24 games in 2022 and 2023, mostly on special teams.
If Tafelski sees meaningful playing time with the Irish, it will almost certainly be on special teams as well. He played 122 snaps in 2023 across four units. He played 65 snaps on kickoff return, 31 on kickoff coverage, 23 on punt coverage and three on punt return.
The Dearborn, Mich. native was credited with 4 tackles this past season.
Tafelski initially chose Central Michigan over Eastern Michigan and Cornell, as a member of the recruiting class of 2020 out of Dearborn High. He racked up 375 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns as a junior in high school, as well as 22 receptions for 250 yards, 17 tackles (9 solo) and 2 interceptions. He played running back and strong safety as a prep player, and he also returned kicks.
Notre Dame sits at 87 scholarships on the last day for any player — graduate or undergraduate — to enter the transfer portal. The limit, which the Irish must be at or under by the start of fall camp, is 85. Obviously, as a walk-on, Tafelski will not add to that total.
In addition to Tafelski, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has said the Irish will pursue a transfer punter to replace Bryce McFerson. Notre Dame has also been on the lookout for cornerback depth, hosting Rice transfer Tre’Shon Devones for a visit and offering West Virginia transfer Montre Miller.
The Irish wrapped up spring practice with the Blue-Gold Game on April 20 and will be back on the field when fall camp starts in early August.
