Notre Dame Visit Surpassed High Expectations For Keanaaina

2020 J.K. Mullen (Colo.) defensive tackle Aidan Keanaaina‍ made his way out to South Bend on Friday to see Notre Dame for the first time. 

The 6-foot-3, 292-pounder had high expectations heading into the visit as Notre Dame was a school he followed growing up. 

“I loved it,” Keanaaina told Irish Sports Daily. “It was a great visit. I was so happy. I loved the school, campus, facilities and the coaches. 

“The coaches were so welcoming and upfront. I liked how they didn’t sugarcoat anything. They explained why Notre Dame was an amazing school and why I fit the bill.” 

Back to those expectations, Keanaaina had heard a lot about Notre Dame from other people, but once he got on campus, he was able to form his own opinion. 

“It went beyond my expectations,” Keanaaina stated. “People say it’s great and nice, but until you experience it, it’s a different feeling, and I felt it. I felt those expectations were watered down with how good the visit went.

“The campus was beautiful with the classic look, but yet very modern. They have a ton of beautiful grass fields and courtyards. There’s an amazing tradition on campus.” 

Notre Dame’s football facilities were also a hit with the three-star prospect. Keanaaina was able to see the new indoor facility going up, but also the perks of The Gug. 

“The facilities were phenomenal,” explained Keanaaina. “They are building a new indoor field that looks gigantic. Apparently, by the time I would get there, they are going to have a new locker room, a new weight room, and all these new things. 

“I’m excited to see that stuff, but even without the upgrades, the facilities were awesome.” 

The weight room might have been the place Keanaaina was the most impressed with as he was able to see how the Irish use technology on a daily basis to gain an advantage. 

“They had all the futuristic weightlifting with cameras to tell you how fast the bar moves, the percentage of weight and how hard you’re working,” said Keanaaina. 

Friday was also a chance for the Colorado native to get to know defensive line coach Mike Elston better. Elston even brought some helpers along with him to help show Keanaaina around Notre Dame. 

“He was with us pretty much the entire day, and that was amazing,” stated Keanaaina.  “He brought his little girls, and they were fun too. They knew the school as much as he did, which was funny.” 

Elston clearly made a positive impact as Keanaaina learned a lot of the program, but also how Elston coaches his players. 

“I loved him as a coach,” explained Keanaaina. “He can be caring when he needs to be and strict when he needs to jump on you because you’re not working hard enough. He gets the job done. 

“He sat me down in his room, and we talked about everything. He told me exactly why he thinks I’d be a perfect fit for Notre Dame. He showed me where I could be playing in their scheme and how the scheme would be perfect for me. He also told me how I’d excel at Notre Dame with all the different career opportunities.” 

Notre Dame projects Keanaaina at the 3-Tech right now, and that’s more than fine with the J.K. Mullen standout. 

“Coach Elston said they saw me as a 3-Tech and even the 1-Tech depending on what I come in at,” Keanaaina explained. “If I come in the same way I am now, I would be a 3-Tech. They want me at the 3-Tech. 

“I liked hearing that because I’ve always liked the 3-Tech. I like all the inside techniques, but the 3-Tech I’ve found to be a special spot.”

Keanaaina’s father has been a long-time Notre Dame but was unable to make the trip. However, Keanaaina's mother and aunt thoroughly enjoyed the day in South Bend. 

“They loved it," said Keanaaina. "They were beyond excited. They loved the coaches and everyone. They loved Coach Kelly and how he was upfront and easy with his words, but he still gets the job done. 

“They loved the campus and the support I would get academically.”