Notre Dame LB Commit Junior Tuihalamaka Ready To Return

Niuafe Tuihalamaka‍ is back in full pads and looking forward to a more normal season for his final year at Bishop Alemany High School.

“I'm definitely excited to finally be able to have family in the stands,” the 2022 California linebacker says.

Tuihalamaka announced his commitment to Notre Dame back in June following official visits to South Bend and Texas.

Now, he’s turned his focus from recruiting to his high school season.

“Winning State, that's definitely the goal,” he says.

And he believes they have a team capable of accomplishing it.

“Definitely with the transfers that we just got our chances are good, or great actually,” he says, noting the additions of athletes Larry Turner-Gooden and Jaylen Thompson.

Tuihalamaka has personal goals as well.

“Since I'm actually planning inside linebacker this year, definitely lead the team in tackles, absolutely leading the team in sacks as well because they're going to be blitzing me and having fun at running back too,” he says.

Tuihalamaka laughs and says playing running back for the first time since youth ball will be fun.

He also embraces the fact that opponents will be trying to prove themselves against “the kid going to Notre Dame.”

“I'm always going to rep Notre Dame and make sure I'm competing at the highest level,” he says. “Knowing that I'm an incoming player at Notre Dame is a big standard for myself, so I'm going to make sure I live up to that standard.”

He’s planning to get back to South Bend a couple times during the Fall.

“I'm definitely coming to two games,” he says. “Right now, all I know is I'll be coming to the USC game. I'm still figuring out some things for another home game.”

He loved the first trip and is excited about what he’ll be able to do when he returns.

“Definitely seeing myself play in front of the whole Notre Dame fans and seeing myself playing during a season of football at Notre Dame.”