True freshman Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa has been a consistent difference-maker in the Notre Dame linebacker rotation, a dominant group that combines experience with young talent. He has delivered on his opportunities, posting 2.5 TFL, 1.0 sack, 29 tackles, an interception and two QB hurries.
Notre Dame ranks seventh among all FBS programs in both third- and fourth-down defense, holding opponents to just 30.6 percent on third down and 34.3 percent on fourth down this season. Viliamu-Asa has posted five third-down stops this season, and one fourth-down stop.
He made a significant impact in the 49-7 win over Stanford, in which he posted three tackles, a TFL and a pass breakup. Viliamu-Asa’s pass breakup came on fourth down to force a turnover on downs, leading to a Notre Dame touchdown drive. His TFL created a third-and-11 for the Cardinal later in the game, forcing a punt. Viliamu-Asa and the Irish limited Stanford to just 200 yards of total offense, the Cardinals’ lowest offensive total of the season to that point.
HONORS
- 2024 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List
- 2024 Watch List for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award
2024
- at TEXAS A&M (8/31): Made significant contributions on defense and special teams for the Irish in his collegiate debut… collected three total tackles – two solo and one assisted
- NORTHERN ILLINOIS (9/7): Played in the game… posted a career-high seven tackles… had one solo and six assisted… one assisted tackle was a tackle for loss
- at PURDUE (9/15): Posted two tackles – both assisted – in the win… snagged first career interception and added four yards on the return
- MIAMI UNIVERSITY (9/22): Saw playing time on defense and special teams… collected one assisted tackle
- LOUISVILLE (9/28): Competed on defense and special teams for the Irish… posted two solo tackles and one assisted… registered first career sack for a loss of six yards… added a quarterback hurry
- STANFORD (10/12): Competed for the Irish on defense and special teams… posted a solo tackle and two assisted tackles… one tackle for loss… had a quarterback hurry on fourth down to help force Stanford into a turnover on downs in the second quarter
- at GEORGIA TECH (10/19): Saw playing time on both defense and special teams… had two assisted tackles and a quarterback hurry
- at NAVY (10/26): Competed on defense for the Irish… posted three assisted tackles
- FLORIDA STATE (11/09): Saw playing time… collected three tackles – two assisted, one solo
- VIRGINIA (11/16): Competed on defense (and special teams) in the win… collected two assisted tackles
- ARMY (11/23): Started at linebacker for the Irish… first career start