A talent who found his footing in RFH’s rotation last year that also went to the state championship game as a sophomore, Kiernan was a intrical part of the Bulldogs defense this year. In the game’s last season Kiernan made 7.5 tackles (6 total) with 3.5 tackles for loss. He ends the season with 76 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 1 pick-six.

Rumson-Fair Haven already has a key piece of their defense, DL Cooper Bunnell Cooper Bunnell 6'1" | 260 lbs | DL Rumson-Fair Haven | 2024 NJ , returning for 2023; however, there is some buzz around 6 foot 205lb LB Austin Kiernan Austin Kiernan 5'6" | 155 lbs | LB Rumson-Fair Haven | 2025 State NJ . Also a wrestler for the Bulldogs, Kiernan was credited with 27 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 sacks, and 1 FF last fall.

The thing that stood out the most about Kiernan on film was that when he is full speed ahead, he totally levels the opposition when making tackles. What makes him effective as a blitzer is that Kiernan has the ability to get through the line untouched en route to the big hits he likes to lay; however, if he does get blocked, he has shown that he knows how to slip off these blocks. Smarts is part of Kiernan’s game too, as he has shown the ability to sniff out and stuff screens. I like how Kiernan is disciplined in staying home backside on plays to eliminate the opportunity for cutbacks. With how much forward momentum he gets, Kiernan’s film will explode should he make quicker reads and get going downhill a bit sooner.

With key pieces like Owen O’Toole Owen O’Toole 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Rumson-Fair Haven | 2025 State NJ , Nick Rigby Nick Rigby 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Rumson-Fair Haven | 2024 State NJ , and Jack Mauthe Jack Mauthe 6'0" | 210 lbs | OL Rumson-Fair Haven | 2025 NJ returning to an already potent offense, Kiernan looks to take on a bigger role on an equally as stout defense.