2020 DT Aidan Keanaaina Ready To See Notre Dame and Ohio State

Heading into the summer, 2020 J.K. Mullen (Colo.) defensive tackle Aidan Keanaaina‍ wanted to focus on his technique. 

The 6-foot-3, 292-pounder feels he has taken steps forward with his technique and hopes the growth leads to a big 2018. 

“I’m getting there,” Keanaaina told Irish Sports Daily. “I’m doing a lot of work on my pass rush, footwork and hand speed. I’ve come a long way from last year, and I’m excited to see what happens this season.

“I think with all that I have been doing, and with how much more focus I have put into my technique, I’ll see more improvement from last year. Everyone hopes to improve from the last year and get better season to season.” 

The three-star prospect has confidence in his technique, but he also believes being a year older will also help him raise his game. With the experience from last year, Keanaaina feels the game will slow down even more for him this fall. 

“The older you get and more experienced you get, the more things you notice each year,” he explained. “This year I might notice more than last year regarding tendencies as an offense when it comes to running the ball and formations.

“I think every year you learn something new and can apply that to your game.” 

Keanaaina might be confident in his physical abilities, but he also knows the chance to make a play starts before he even lines up. The Colorado native has worked hard on preparing himself mentally, and it’s an advantage a lot of his peers don't even think about.  

“Depending on the formation, it will tell you what they’re going to run,” said Keanaaina. If the running back is lined up deep, then it’s probably going to be a run because he wants to gain momentum to hit the hole. If the quarterback is in the shotgun and has 2x2 receivers, it’s most likely going to be a pass. 

“You then look at the offensive linemen. I look at their hands and if they are leaning forward because they are going to run block or leaning back for a pass set. You look to see if their toes are pointing a certain way and if they are looking to make eye contact with you. You have to pay attention to all of those things.” 

On the recruiting front, Keanaaina has made sure to stay in contact with multiple programs, including Notre Dame, who offered him at the end of May. 

“I’ve been talking with the same coaches,” stated Keanaaina. “I’ve talked to BYU, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon and Wisconsin. I make phone calls to them regularly to see how things are going and how the new freshmen are doing.

“I want to keep in touch with them and let them know I’m interested in getting to know them more.” 

Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston is one coach the J.K. Mullen standout has made sure to call, and the two have started to develop a strong relationship.

“They are good talks,” Keanaaina stated. “We always talk about non-football things and life in general. We talk about jobs and school. We keep it a nice conversation and then move into football. I’ve asked him how the new recruits are doing and how they’re adjusting.”

For Keanaaina, the chance to build relationships is important, but first impressions from coaches are also telling. One conversation with a coach really stood out and it's the small details that can make or break a recruitment. 

“I think it was a conversation about my family,” Keanaaina said of the best conversation he’s had with a coach. “I was asked about my mom and dad, but also about getting into football. It was the first time I had ever talked to that coach, which made it even better. I really enjoyed that experience.” 

Keanaaina will be in the Midwest in just over two weeks, and he’s looking forward to seeing what Notre Dame and Ohio State have to offer as both were programs he grew up following as a child.

“I have a set a date to visit Notre Dame,” said Keanaaina. “I will be there on July 27th. We’re going to hit Ohio State on July 31st too.

“I want to see the school and the energy they have there. I want to get a feel for the program and if I want to play there. I want to see if I am comfortable and be able to stay there to grow into a man.”