Tag: Kahanu Kia

Notre Dame offers 2025 Hawaiian linebacker

As just a sophomore!?!

The [autotag]Notre Dame Football[/autotag] program has a reach that many schools don’t possess. There is solid history in almost every state and that includes Hawaii.

The list is long for the Irish recruiting in [autotag]The Aloha State[/autotag], including former star linebacker [autotag]Manti Te’o[/autotag]. Currently on the roster from the state is defensive end [autotag]Jordan Botelho[/autotag] and linebackers [autotag]Marist Liufau[/autotag] and [autotag]Kahanu Kia[/autotag].

There very well could be another Hawaiian linebacker on their way to South Bend, [autotag]Josiah “Ko’o” Kia[/autotag]. The six-foot-two-inch and 190-pounder just finished his sophomore year, but it was all that the Irish staff needed to see. Kia tagged linebackers coach [autotag]James Laurinaitis[/autotag] and special teams coordinator [autotag]Brian Mason[/autotag] when announcing the offer.

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Scouts view: Notre Dame’s newest commit OT Caleb Johnson

What to expect from Notre Dame’s newest commit, offensive lineman Caleb Johnson from Florida.

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Brian Kelly and his staff have been hard at work on the recruiting trail and that work has paid off handily this past week. First it was Philip Riley coming back to the 2021 class, then kicker Josh Bryan, yesterday it was a two-fer with linebacker Kahanu Kia  and now Caleb Johnson.

The flip of Johnson from Auburn is solidifying the offensive line class, which now has tackles Blake Fisher and Joe Alt, guards Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan.

Let’s take a look at what to expect from the latest Irish commit Johnson.

A massive tackle who moves his feet extremely well, constantly finishing his block. When he’s not taking down the opposing lineman, Johnson is able to get to the second level allowing his backs to get more yardage. Surprisingly nimble, Johnson is able to pull on some running plays and also lead block on screen plays. Shows great versatility as he has played guard and tackle. His size screams tackle, but if that doesn’t work out, Johnson could be a road grader at guard.

Another player with massive upside, as evident by his Alabama and LSU offers, don’t be confused by the 3-star ranking. There is potential that he could see the field early, but I bet he get’s some freshman playing time, but saves a year by playing under the 4 games to keep his redshirt.

Johnson is another big time addition to the 2021 Notre Dame recruiting class, another piece to an already impressive offensive line haul.

Don’t forget to check out our latest recruiting update, the current commitment list and our FIW exclusive interview with 2021 offensive line commit Pat Coogan.

Scouts view: Newest Notre Dame commit linebacker Kahanu Kia

A look at what to expect out of Notre Dame newest commitment, 2021 linebacker Kahanu Kia.

It’s safe the Irish are on fire on the recruiting trail recently. With the addition of Hawaiian linebacker Kahanu Kia, making it three more commitments to the 2021 class in the last week. First Philip Riley rejoined, then kicker Josh Bryan and now Kia.

Let’s take a look at what to expect out of the six-foot-two-inch and 220-pound ‘backer.

A great athlete with very good instincts, who has closing speed and knows how to finish plays. Kia shows that he can play the run as well as drop back into coverage. His hands are good enough to turn the solid coverage skills into turnovers. Kia will ultimately be a linebacker who never has to leave the field due to his versatility. The highlight package didn’t show much of him rushing the passer, so you question a bit what his abilities are to get to the quarterback. That’s something Kia can focus on when he arrives to South Ben.

Overall the Brian Kelly scores big again by getting a very solid out-of-state prospect. The upside is tremendous, but don’t expect Kia to make an immediate impact, as I believe he’ll need a few years before he’ll contribute for the Irish.

Don’t forget to check out our latest recruiting update, the current commitment list and our FIW exclusive interview with 2021 offensive line commit Pat Coogan.

Notre Dame adds yet another to 2021 recruiting class

What a week for Notre Dame on the recruiting front as they’ve now added four commitments with their latest coming from the Aloha State.

It’s been quite the week for Notre Dame on the recruiting front as they’ve now landed three commitments to the 2021 class in the last four days.

The latest adds depth to the linebacker position in 2021 and comes from The Aloha State.

Kahanu Kia, outside linebacker from Honolulu (Punahou), became the 22nd commitment to Notre Dame’s class as he made his decision official on Thursday.

Kia told Blue Gold Illustrated that his recent visit to campus during the weekend of the Clemson game made all the difference in him choosing Notre Dame over Utah, which is not only easier to get to from Hawaii than South Bend, but also where his father played in the mid-nineties.

Related:  Meet the Entire 2021 Notre Dame Recruiting Class

Kia ultimately chose Notre Dame over Utah as well as Stanford and UCLA and also added that the academics the University offers put it over the top compared to the other finalists.