The Dallas Cowboys selected former Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau in the third round of the NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys selected former Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dallas took Liufau with the 87th overall pick, making the former Irish standout the fourth off ball linebacker to be taken in the 2024 Draft.
Liufau had a significant role in the Notre Dame defense, which in the 2023 season was among the best in the country. With opponents only scoring 15.9 points per game, Notre Dame’s scoring defense was rated seventh in all of college football. In terms of total defense and fewest yards allowed per play, the Irish were rated fifth as well. In addition to ranking second in the country for the fewest passing yards allowed (2,045), third in the country for yards allowed per pass attempt (5.5), and tenth in interceptions, Notre Dame led the country in pass efficiency defense (97.09).
During his last season with the Irish, the athletic linebacker from Hawaii became a better pass rusher. Following a mere 11 pressure readings in 2022,
Liufau recorded 44 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two pass breakups by the end of the 2023 campaign. He totaled 117 stops, 12 tackles for loss, and four sacks during his time at Notre Dame. When the Irish made it to the College Football Playoff in 2022, Liufau was a vital component of the linebacker rotation.
He missed the entire 2021 season due to a leg injury, but he made a comeback to lead the Irish in the next two seasons. At linebacker, Liufau possesses exceptional agility and range, which the Irish staff utilized to launch a downhill approach. It will be important for him to tighten up his tackling, something he did well last season. If he can maintain his increased decisiveness in the face of the run and
