Liufau ‘playing faster’, starting to shine in camp
Liufau ‘playing faster’, starting to shine in camp
OXNARD, California — The Dallas Cowboys’
ability to play well at linebacker will be crucial to
whether or not they can snap their historic Super
Bowl drought. For this reason, Marist Liufau was
selected as the team’s third-round pick in the
2024 NFL Draft, and he’s already starting to
prove why they made the right choice. Liufau
will experience growing pains and hiccups like
any other rookie in the NFL, especially one who
plays a position as cerebral as linebacker.
However, he is off to a good start in his first-ever
training camp with the Cowboys, and he had his
best practice of the season on the team’s fourth
day of padded practice. His ability to cover stood
out, but so did his skill at both stopping the run
and, quiet as it’s been kept to this point, rushing
the opposing quarterback — landing two would-
be sacks on Dak Prescott (if he were allowed to
touch him). “It’s going great,” Liufau declared
following practice on Saturday. Undoubtedly, as a
novice, there is a lot to learn and a lot to absorb.
I’m beginning to feel my way around and am
really appreciative of the wonderful guys in my
life who are taking me under their wing and
supporting me.” The “Tennessee Whisky” cover
artist, who is already among the team’s best
vocalists (no, really), has bonded with veteran
linebackers Eric Kendricks and Damone Clark,
taking in all of their wisdom and delving into
Mike Zimmer’s playbook to learn not only his
own assignments but also, akin to his time at
Notre Dame, the assignments of his ten defensive
teammates on any given play. Regarding their
mentorship, he stated, “It’s crucial for me,”
something that Clark also mentioned. They know
so much. They are really skilled players, so
anything I can learn from them will help me
advance both as a player and as a person.” One
of Liufau’s biggest draws is his exceptional
football IQ, which is what made head coach Mike
McCarthy and general manager Zimmer
practically beat the table to have him on the
roster during the draft. Given that it has helped
him get this far, it will probably also help him go
much farther. “When pads come on, it gets a little
bit easier because you get your reps in, you learn
the playbook more, and things like that. “begin to
decelerate “He stated. “And my ability to think
quickly increases the more I study. I think my
comfort level is rising, and I’m playing faster and
with more confidence.” Liufau is beginning to
make waves in Oxnard, willing to do everything
Zimmer and the Cowboys ask of him, including
being “excited” to contribute for John “Bones”
Fassel on special teams as the new kickoff
regulations take effect. And those waves will
soon start to smash upon the regular season’s
and, eventually, the postseason’s shores if he
continues to build like he has been.
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