Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa Shines After First Interception, Overcomes Past Setbacks

Photo byMike Berardino

SOUTH BEND — Freshman linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is riding high after securing his first career interception for Notre Dame football, garnering praise from coaches and teammates alike.

Defensive coordinator Al Golden praised Viliamu-Asa’s dedication and meticulous practice habits during a recent session. “I see a young man who practices with a purpose every day, and I mean detailed,” Golden said. “He maximizes every single rep... I could talk about six or seven instances today where the average player might have just tagged off, but he’s breaking down plays, understanding the fit, and knowing when to leverage.”

Viliamu-Asa, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 240 pounds, is currently tied for second on the team with 13 tackles. He also contributed to a fourth-quarter sack alongside defensive lineman Jason Onye. When Onye tipped a pass from Purdue quarterback Hudson Card, Viliamu-Asa was quick to react, catching the ball mid-air and returning it four yards, which set up another touchdown for the Irish.

“That interception was a testament to my teammates,” Viliamu-Asa said. “It was the result of my D-line doing their job, stuffing the quarterback and getting a hand on the ball. It was a great feeling—a blessing to have one in the books.”

Before joining the Fighting Irish, Viliamu-Asa was a Butkus Award finalist as the best high school linebacker in the country, although he managed only two interceptions in his final two seasons at St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California. After a knee injury sidelined him during his sophomore season, he has returned to play with a relentless ferocity.

So, what’s the key to a linebacker making interceptions? “Running to the ball,” he explained. “Having good run-pass keys and just being relentless in my pursuit of the ball.”

Despite his success, Viliamu-Asa carries the weight of a recent misstep. In a previous game against Northern Illinois, he was in tight coverage but ultimately missed the tackle on running back Antario Brown, who scored an 83-yard touchdown—the longest scoring pass allowed by a Golden defense in over two seasons.

“It’s embarrassing being out there,” he admitted. “Regardless of whether I'm a freshman or a senior, I hold myself to the same standard. I try my best not to be a liability. Seeing that guy score a touchdown is a tough feeling.”

Despite Golden's acknowledgment of Viliamu-Asa's strong underneath coverage during that play, the memory still lingers. “I felt like I was in position for that play,” he recalled. “Just a tough call, a tough play. I have to turn the page and do my best not to let that happen ever again.”

As the season progresses, it’s clear that Viliamu-Asa is not just learning; he’s growing into a key player for the Fighting Irish.