Notre Dame Football: Two True Freshmen Earn Midseason All-American Honors

Even as Notre Dame competes for the playoffs, the program is simultaneously preparing for the future with key reps for its best true freshmen.

Notre Dame linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa participates in a drill during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in South Bend. / MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK

Notre Dame's 2024 recruiting class is already paying dividends, even as the team climbs closer to the top 10 and competes for a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff.

On3 Sports released its annual College Football Midseason True Freshman All-American Team, which featured two Irish rookies, OT Anthonie Knapp and LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa.

On3 College Football Midseason True Freshman All-American Team🔥

(via @CharlesPower) https://t.co/uCbeNfltCl pic.twitter.com/lMdSF1kPc9

— On3 (@On3sports) October 7, 2024

Knapp has played extremely well, considering he was thrust into the lineup at left tackle after starter Charles Jagusah suffered a season-ending injury in August.

Knapp's baptism by fire came in the opener against Texas A&M at Kyle Field, and he has started every game since. While there have been some rookie moments, the four-star recruit from Roswell, Ga. continues to improve, particularly in the run game.

Viliamu-Asa was ND's biggest addition from the 2024 class. He's physically and mentally advanced at this stage of his career, which is why Al Golden has been comfortable getting him 20-25 snaps a game.

KVA has 16 tackles, one sack, and one interception as he lays the ground floor for what promises to be a dynamite career in South Bend.

Love the dip from Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa before he closed on the sack.

Elite natural ability and well coached out of St. John Bosco and via Max Bullough.

Future is so bright for KVA. pic.twitter.com/yOV7ZyuRSm

— Kevin Sinclair (@KevinSinclair_) September 28, 2024

Knapp and Viliamu-Asa have been Notre Dame's best true freshmen so far, but they are not the only rookies getting reps.

CB Leonard Moore has 12 tackles and is tied with KVA for most snaps for a defensive freshman. Moore looks like a budding star in his own right and could fill the void in 2025 if Benjamin Morrison leaves for the NFL.

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