Cowboys hot topic: LB Marist Liufau has a huge opportunity to shine
It is Marist Liufau time.
The Dallas Cowboys parted ways with linebacker Leighton Vander Esch just three days before he announced his retirement due to neck issues. Although they signed veteran Eric Kendricks the day before to combat the loss, the Cowboys still needed more. In the third round of the NFL draft they took Marist Liufau out of Notre Dame.
The Honolulu, Hawaii native came into league with the reputation of being a guy who played with tremendous aggression as well as an incredible short-area burst once he diagnoses plays. However, the Cowboys were set to get back DeMarvion Overshown, plus they also had Damone Clark on the roster, a player looking to take the next step in his development. Liufau was the fourth linebacker at best once players took the field for any kind of meaningful work.
Liufau didn't waste any time showing that his instincts and athleticism could translate to the pro game. So much so that he surpassed Clark on the depth to the point where he has pretty much been an afterthought, at least for 2024. Now, Liufau has a golden opportunity to showcase even more of his talent now that Overshown is out for the season after tearing all three major knee ligaments against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday. Not one to waste a chance, Liufau quickly put his ability on display to tune of 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits (didn't log any in the first 12 games) versus Cincinnati.
It's the reckless abandon that Liufau plays with that allows him to make plays. However, it can also get him in trouble sometimes with over pursuing and missing assignments. The best way to cure that is to keep playing, and now Liufau has four more games to get plenty of reps in alongside Kendricks. He is the perfect person to have with Liufau because once he learns how to balance his aggressiveness with discipline simultaneously, his true potential can shine through.
Kendricks was looked at as a one-year rental, but he might be in consideration to return with Overshown likely to miss all of the 2025 season. Even if he is, Liufau will be a part of the Cowboys plans defensively for years to come, and getting him completely up to speed is crucial. Liufau should take this last month of the season to lay the groundwork for an elevation to his game for next season, when he'll be even more important to the Cowboys defense.
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