Who is Marist Liufau, the Cowboys linebacker drafted in the third round?

The Cowboys depth at the linebacker position was starting to get concerning, especially after Leighton Vender Esch was released. The Cowboys did do a few things to circumvent this during the offseason. They signed linebacker Eric Kendricks in free agency and they drafted rookie Marist Liufau at the end of the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Who is Marist Liufau?

Liufau is from Honolulu, Hawaii and has a lot of football in his family. One of his cousins is actually Los Angeles Rams’ breakout rookie from last season, wide receiver Puka Nacua. When Liufau first started playing football, it was at the running back position. Eventually, he began playing safety, and finally middle linebacker. As a linebacker for Punahou High School, Liufau recorded 82 tackles and was selected to play in the 2019 Polynesian Bowl.

Not only is he versatile on the field, but he’s a versatile athlete as well. In high school, he ran track, participating in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and triple jump. He received offers from several different colleges to play football, and ended up choosing Notre Dame. He steadily improved in his five years there, starting in all 12 games and recording 44 tackles and three sacks in his final season in 2023. In his last two seasons, he had 35 defensive stops between the run and pass games.

He entered the 2024 NFL Draft, and the Cowboys chose him 87th overall. He’ll have work to do to make it at the professional level, but he’s got a good base, with size and athleticism both on his side. Liufau is 6′2″ and 234 pounds with long 34″ arms, solid speed, aggression, and a good ability to read the run game.

In 2023, Dallas really only had one true linebacker on the field, as Vander Esch left with a neck injury that ended his career. Weak side linebacker Damone Clark slid over to replace him. DeMarvion Overshown suffered from a torn ACL before the regular season even began, and safety Markquese Bell filled in at WLB.

That brings us to today. Kendricks, the linebacker Dallas signed in free agency on a one-year contract will now replace Vander Esch at middle linebacker. Liufau will likely switch between backing up Kendricks at middle linebacker and strong side linebacker, and could eventually replace him.

New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has said he’d like to have two or even three linebackers on the field at all times, so Liufau should see plenty of playing time, at any of the three LB positions.

Rookies and veterans alike must report to training camp on Wednesday, July 24 with the Cowboys’ first open practice set for Thursday, July 25.