Newsstand: ESPN projects how Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa will impact Notre Dame's LBs in 2024

Kyle Kellyby:Kyle Kelly•03/22/24•

ByKyleKelly

Notre Dame football’s mid-year enrollee freshmen have a few spring practices under their belt. Soon enough, some could contribute to the Fighting Irish on game day. 

In fact, ESPN staff writer Craig Haubert identified first-year Irish linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa as a potential name to know in college football. This is how Haubert believes the freshman thumper could fit in Al Golden’s defense. 

“Jack Kiser returns for his final season, but Notre Dame is losing most of its proven linebacker production,” Haubert said. “Viliamu-Asa is part of a talented young group hoping to fill voids at the position. He missed his sophomore high school season and needed time to return to form as a junior, but an early in-season evaluation during his senior year proved he was worthy of a bump in the rankings. Viliamu-Asa projects as a versatile middle linebacker and is an agile player with good range. He’s physical versus the run, but also effective in coverage.

“Beyond his physical tools, Viliamu-Asa is a candidate to play a key role right away because of his feel for the game. His high school coach expressed the four-star linebacker “simply just gets it,” but lack of college experience is tough to overcome. Viliamu-Asa has the necessary natural instincts to do it and enrolled early. He could step right in and help the Fighting Irish replace some production at linebacker.”

During his senior season at Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco, Viliamu-Asa, finished with 114 tackles (56 solo), 13 for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery. The high school version of the Butkus Award — presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker — named Viliamu-Asa a semifinalist. 

Viliamu-Asa signed with the Irish over Ohio State and USC.

Notre Dame Posts of the Day

Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy shared the names of NFL coaches and general managers in attendance during Thursday’s pro day.

Irish running backs coach Deland McCullough coached Audric Estimé for two seasons.

Four-star quarterback Deuce Knight is unofficially visiting Notre Dame from Thursday to Sunday. The Irish created a graphic of him alongside former Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels from LSU. 

Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock coached both Ridder and Daniels. Quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli coached Ridder.

Notre Dame Quote of the Day

“He’s a dog. You can turn on the tape and see the way he runs. Football speed versus a 40-speed is a lot different. Audric Estimé is an animal.”

— Former Irish right tackle Blake Fisher after Estimé clocked a 4.58-second 40-yard dash during Thursday’s pro day. 

Notre Dame Headlines of the Day

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