Notre Dame LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa Ready to Live Out Dream in National Title Game
In the summer of 2023, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa’s commitment to Notre Dame was a statement.
The Irish certainly have landed multiple top linebackers in recent years, but securing the 6-foot-3, 240-pounder was different.
It’s no secret Notre Dame hasn’t recruited St. John Bosco well and then it was a significant commitment as the Irish staff beat out Ohio State and USC for Viliamu-Asa’s signature.
Viliamu-Asa entered his collegiate career with high expectations and he’s lived up to them as he played in 13 games and recorded 33 tackles this season.
Yet, Viliamu-Asa’s most impressive feat might be healing from a knee injury suffered against Army. The California native missed the USC game and the first round playoff game against Indiana, but he returned to the field in the Sugar Bowl earlier this month.
Heading into Monday’s National Championship game against Ohio State, Viliamu-Asa is feeling healthy and ready to go.
“My knee is doing great,” stated Viliamu-Asa. “The training staff has done a great job. I’m just getting comfortable running around and getting my stamina back up.”
Notre Dame arrived in Atlanta on Friday evening for the final days of prep and the bright lights of the title game combined with classes beginning haven’t distracted the Irish.
“It’s been great,” Viliamu-Asa said. “We’ve been really focused and done our best to balance going back to school. We’ve had a great week of preparation and we’re excited for Monday.”
Viliamu-Asa’s focus has been Ohio State, but also making sure he gets reps in practice to help him get back into game shape.
In the Sugar Bowl, Viliamu-Asa played 13 snaps and then ramped that up to 25 in last week’s Orange Bowl.
“It’s really about getting more reps in practice,” explained Viliamu-Asa. “The better I feel, the more reps I get in practice. That stamina improves from the reps I can get.”
One of the challenges of choosing Notre Dame is the fact that Viliamu-Asa’s family isn’t close. They’ve made it work as his mother and younger brother have been frequent flyers going to home and away games this fall to show their support, which isn’t lost on Viliamu-Asa.
“It’s been amazing,” Viliamu-Asa explained. “Being far from home, it’s a blessing they’re able to make it to some of the games. They’ve been able to make it to the past playoff games and it means everything to me for them to come out and watch me.”
Viliamu-Asa arrived in South Bend last January and went through an adjustment period to college, ball and the Midwest weather. This year, he’s helping another Southern California native with the transition as linebacker Madden Faraimo arrived in December to start practicing with the team.
“We’ve built a great relationship in recruiting, but now him being here, we’ve spent a lot of time together,” stated Viliamu-Asa. “I’ve done my best to show him the ropes so far.”
As for Monday, Viliamu-Asa will be ready to make the most of it as this is a moment he and every other player on the field have dreamed of since they were young.
“It’s a blessing,” Viliamu-Asa. “A year ago, I was just getting on campus, and now I’m playing in the National Championship. It’s crazy. You dream of these moments. It’s a blessing.”
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