Getting Back To Notre Dame Meant A Lot To Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa

When you are talking about 2024 linebacker recruiting there is no more important prospect on the board for Notre Dame than Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco star Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. After not getting back on campus since last year's Blue-Gold Game, the talented linebacker made the return this weekend.

Notre Dame and Viliamu-Asa have been working hard to get him back on campus over the last year, and multiple potential visits never panned out. Viliamu-Asa was finally able to get back on track this weekend, and his budding relationship with the Fighting Irish staff grew even stronger. He was also able to get members of his family on campus as he moves closer and closer to a final decision.

"It really meant a lot to me and my family to be back,” Viliamu-Asa told Irish Breakdown. "It was important for us to get back to Notre Dame and really see everything. Obviously a decision is coming soon so really seeing all my top schools and understanding how I fit is important.”

Notre Dame has put the full court press on the California star, hearing from Al Golden, Al Washington, Max Bullough, Chad Bowden and Marcus Freeman. They have all made an impact on him.

"This visit was big for our relationship,” he said. "I have had the chance to really get to know them already, but it’s usually mostly about football. I had the chance to really talk to them as people and get to know everyone on a deeper level.”

Viliamu-Asa is also a very spiritual person and has no intention of hiding that. Being at a place like Notre Dame is an extremely unique vibe for him, and that includes the religious aspect, which is very important to him.

"My spirituality is a big part of my life,” Viliamu-Asa explained. "I had a moment at the Grotto this morning. Seeing the Basilica was incredible. It’s a beautiful building. Those were some of my favorite moments of the trip.”

As if digesting the campus and seeing the Blue-Gold Game wasn’t enough, Notre Dame also welcomed upwards of 400 former alumni on campus for the event. Viliamu-Asa had a chance to speak with several of the former Irish star, which left a lasting impact on him.

"I had the chance to talk to Jerome Bettis for a while,” he explained. "It was pretty crazy. I was just sitting there thinking, “wow I’m really talking to Jerome Bettis right now.” I also got to talk to guys like Reggie Brooks. Getting their perspective really gave me even more insight into what the program can offer.”

Notre Dame really made a lasting impact with this most recent visit. They pulled out all the stops and thoroughly impressed Viliamu-Asa. From here, there’s a final step, official visits. That includes one set for Notre Dame from June 16th to the 19th.

"My plan is still to make a decision before my senior season, possibly in July,” Viliamu-Asa explained. "I have three official visits that I’m going to be taking: Notre Dame, Ohio State and USC. Those are the schools I’m really focused on.

"I believe I would fit at Notre Dame really well,” he continued. "This is a decision that I have been thinking about for a long time. It isn’t about where I can excel for the next four years. It’s about how I can be the best man possible for way after that. That’s what Notre Dame brings, it’s a whole lot more than just football.”

Viliamu-Asa is considered a four-star recruit by every major recruiting platform. He ranks highest on the Rivals ranking, currently sitting as the No. 60 overall player and No. 3 linebacker in the 2024 recruiting class. 247Sports sees the California star similarly, pegging him as the No. 69 overall player and No. 6 linebacker in the class.

The 6-2, 225-pound defender is being courted by some of the top programs in all of college football. A few of the premier offers that Viliamu-Asa boasts are the Irish, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Miami, USC, Texas, LSU, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Penn State, Oregon, Michigan State, Auburn, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Washington, UCLA, Washington State, Oregon State, Arizona State, Boston College, Stanford, Arizona and Kansas among many others.

The California native put together a dynamic junior campaign for the 13-1 St. John Bosco team. He finished the season with 111 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks despite missing one game. Viliamu-Asa also recorded an interception, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a pass breakup.

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