Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa Enters Decision Making Mode

Star 2024 linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa recaps official visits this month

Entering the month of June, Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco star Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa was unquestionably one of the most important 2024 defensive recruits left on the board for Notre Dame. He is a must-get for the Irish in their quest to land a gap closing 2024 recruiting class.

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. 

There were three weekends to keep an eye on for the St. John Bosco star in June. Viliamu-Asa had released a final three schools list in May of USC, Notre Dame and Ohio State. Over the last three weekends, he visited each of those schools, in that order.

With that official visits now in the rear view, Viliamu-Asa now enters decision making mode. While the official visits are not the only part of the process, having that last data point to potentially separate three great programs was important. Viliamu-Asa gave insight into those three visits.

Official Visits

Here is what Viliamu-Asa had to say about all three of his official visits in June. The schools are listed in order of when the visit was made.

USC Trojans

Of the three schools, Viliamu-Asa was most familiar with the Trojan program.

"I’ve been to USC a few times in the past so this was more about getting to know the staff,” Viliamu-Asa explained. "I’m familiar with the campus so digging into those relationships (was) most important to me.

"Obviously I’m very familiar with the program,” he continued. "I have some friends who are going to be playing with them. There’s a lot of excitement around the program. For me, it’s trying to see if it’s the best fit for me.”

Even with his family’s California roots, this visit was a unique one to at least one member of Kyngstonn’s support system. It was a chance that they took full advantage of.

"Believe it or not, this was actually my dad’s first trip to campus,” said Viliamu-Asa said. "My parents had the chance to mesh with the coaches and really get to know them on a deeper level. They treated my family incredibly well and I’m so grateful for that.”

One big element of that trip was Viliamu-Asa getting the chance to meet and spend time with former USC great Troy Polamalu. The All-Pro safety brings a similar background to the table compared to Viluamu-Asa.

USC knew that and brought out the big guns for their final chance to sell the allure of their program.

"Meeting Troy Polamalu was really an incredible opportunity,” he explained. "He’s so humble and a soft spoken person. He also got to break out of his shell a little bit and crack some jokes. It was great to be able to get to know him.”

Entering June, USC was the clear third of the finalists. With the impact they made during the visit, they are jockeying for the first position entering the final stage of this recruitment.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The weekend after USC, Viliamu-Asa made the trip back to South Bend. That would be the second time this off-season, and the third trip overall.

Once again, this trip was about giving the Viliamu-Asa family a full and in-depth understanding of what makes Notre Dame unique.

"It was an amazing trip,” said Viliamu-Asa. "The staff really did a great job to really make the atmosphere feel like home and everyone had a great time. This was my mom’s first trip to campus and she loved it. My parents had the chance to spend some time with the other parents and coaches. They absolutely loved it. The staff made them feel tremendously valued.”

The common theme of this trip to Notre Dame: relationships. Both Viliamu-Asa and his family really got a lot of time to really understand the fit and value of their personalities.

"We all got a chance to get to know Coach (Marcus) Freeman even better,” he explained. "He is just a great guy and an excellent coach. I believe in what he’s building over there.

"I also had a chance to spend time with the other recruits on campus,” Viliamu-Asa added. "I got to know CJ Carr, Aneyas (Williams), Jack Larsen, Micah Gilbert and Bryce Young. We got to hang out and really got a chance to get to know one another. They seem like really cool people.”

The full scope for everything that Notre Dame can provide continues to stand out. That’s been the big sell from the Irish staff and has been well received throughout this particular recruitment.

"The coaches continue to open all of our eyes to what Notre Dame can provide,” said Viliamu-Asa. "It isn’t just about football, which is great. That degree is something special. That campus is special and so are those fans. They really give you everything you need to be successful.”

Ohio State Buckeyes

The third, and final official visit was to Ohio State. This was about the Buckeyes making their final pitch to Viliamu-Asa and his family. That included some quality time with the other recruits on campus.

"The visit was great,” he said. "I got a chance to spend a lot of time with the players. That included Payton Pierce and Garrett Stover, who are committed linebackers in the class. It was cool to really get to know them and just kind of feel out how we’d fit. They seem like great people.

"This was my dad’s first visit to Ohio State,” Viliamu-Asa continued. "I think it really opened their eyes to see what the program has to offer. We also had a chance to really get a feel for the coaches.”

Ohio State is a program that has been on Viliamu-Asa for a long time. 

"Coach (Ryan) Day has been recruiting me for a long time,” said Viliamu-Asa. "There’s never been a question that he wants me to be a Buckeye. I think my versatility can really fit well into Coach (Jim) Knowles’ defensive scheme.”

The official visits were felt as a separator of sorts. Ohio State was looked at as the co-leader for Viliamu-Asa entering the month. 

FINAL DECISION COMING

It’s closing time. Viliamu-Asa now has all the data points he needs. You should expect a decision being made in July.

"The plan is to have my decision made in the next few weeks,” Viliamu-Asa explained. "It’s going to be a difficult one but I’m excited to really dig into it and find the best spot for me. I’m going to rely heavily on everything I’ve learned, my parents and for God to guide me.

"This is going to be a very holistic process,” he continued. "I’ve taken my time, seen everything I’ve needed to see and feel ready to really make that decision.”

When it comes to separators, the criteria for Kyngstonn remains the same. What the California native values has been transparent for a long time.

"Those three schools separated themselves for a reason,” he began. "I’m looking for the place that is going to challenge me the most. I want to find the place where I can thrive and be a better person and athlete.

"Culture is also a huge thing for me,” Viliamu-Asa continued. "I want to find a place that feels like home. Education is big as well. I know I won’t be able to play football forever, so making sure I’m set up for my entire life is a big thing. That all goes along with player development. I want to be the best version of myself, on and off the field.”

Clarity will be gained fully over the next few weeks. 

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