Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa Growing & Learning While Making Plays for Notre Dame
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa arrived at Notre Dame in January with open eyes and ready to be a sponge.
The California native’s humble approach paid off as Viliamu-Asa embraced the work, which has allowed him to see the field from day one.
In Notre Dame’s 66-7 win over Purdue, Viliamu-Asa recorded his first interception and now sits tied for second on the team with 13 tackles after three games.
“It was a great feeling,” Viliamu-Asa said of his pick. “Being out there, it's a blessing to be able to have one in the books. It's a testament to my D-line and Jason Onye for providing that opportunity."
College football is also an eye-opening experience for freshmen. The time commitment, detailed scheme and the adjustment to college all take time.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder is no different, but he’s also thrived in a defense that historically has taken time for young players to master. Drayk Bowen and Viliamu-Asa are likely the two outliers in terms of being ahead mentally as freshmen in Al Golden’s defense.
Yet, Viliamu-Asa knows he’s just getting started and has plenty of work to do as he has bigger goals than simply playing in year one.
"Definitely want to be able to be communicative, especially in hard environments, with the rest of my defense and make sure we're all on one page,” Viliamu-Asa said when asked where he can improve. “Just want to be violent, play fast and take advantage of every opportunity."
Speaking of opportunities, Viliamu-Asa could have a significant one sooner rather than later with defensive end Jordan Botelho being lost for the season. Viliamu-Asa has already played off the edge in some of Notre Dame’s third-down packages, and there is now a more significant role for the taking.
"I try to learn from the best pass-rushers on the team,” stated Viliamu-Asa. “It's great being under (Jaylen) Sneed and seeing guys like [Boubacar Traore] come in. I think my length has something to do with it. Athleticism. Coaches giving me a chance to play on the edge to help the team."
And Viliamu-Asa has been in Botelho’s shoe. He suffered an ACL injury as a freshman at St. John Bosco, which caused him to miss his sophomore season.
"It's not easy,” Viliamu-Asa said of seeing his teammates go down. “Knowing how that is, it's definitely a heartbreaker knowing how hard they work, where they are. I go out there and give it everything I got for them. I'm praying for them and hoping for a fast recovery."
Viliamu-Asa’s flexibility provides more opportunity to get on the field, but Viliamu-Asa’s main focus is earning more playing time at linebacker. Golden has used a heavy rotation this season and it’s helped Viliamu-Asa grow in real-time.
"It's just reps,” Viliamu-Asa said. “Getting reps. Being out there, making mistakes, going back to the film room and having an opportunity to fix them. Being thrown back out there is important. Then learning from the other guys, everybody is getting each other better, whether it's [Jack Kiser], Drayk, Jaiden or Sneed. They all give me tips when I go out there, when they're out there seeing something, which is great to see. I think it helps keep us fresh. Not getting burnt out. We're able to play every time we get out there."
Viliamu-Asa has made more plays than he’s given up, but he’s taking it all in stride. In fact, the freshman will be the first to tell you the touchdown against NIU was a significant learning moment for him.
"It's embarrassing being out there,” explained Viliamu-Asa. “Regardless if I'm a freshman or senior, I'm held to the same standard as everybody else. I do my best not to be a liability out there. But seeing that guy score a touchdown, it's not an easy feeling. I just got to turn the page and do my best not to let that happen ever again."
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