At the start of the season, Marist Liufau saw a lot of game time. Yet, as games went on, new strategies emerged that placed DeMarvion Overshown on the field a lot more than Liufau. It made sense – Overshown, also drafted in the 3rd round but for 2023, showed serious potential. Things changed once Overshown faced season-ending surgery. Liufau was asked to step up again and has made the most of a tough situation.
The Cowboys started the season very rookie-dense. Liufau was placed as a starter, as well as Tyler Guyton at LT, Cooper Beebe at C, and Caelen Carson at CB. To add to the difficulty of being a rookie, the defense also began with a new system under Mike Zimmer. A shaky start indeed led to Liufau not seeing as much game time as he did at the start of the season. Some guys take that heavy, but not Liufau. He used it as an opportunity to learn.
In a locker room interview on December 18, 2024, Liufau was asked about what he has learned from DeMarvion Overshown this season. He responded:Although the loss of DeMarvion Overshown was detrimental, Cowboys have shown that Marist Liufau can be a dynamic linebacker too.At the start of the season, Marist Liufau saw a lot of game time. Yet, as games went on, new strategies emerged that placed DeMarvion Overshown on the field a lot more than Liufau. It made sense – Overshown, also drafted in the 3rd round but for 2023, showed serious potential. Things changed once Overshown faced season-ending surgery. Liufau was asked to step up again and has made the most of a tough situation.
Cowboys Marist Liufau Starting to Find His Stride in the Cowboys Defense
Learning from Overshown
The Cowboys started the season very rookie-dense. Liufau was placed as a starter, as well as Tyler Guyton at LT, Cooper Beebe at C, and Caelen Carson at CB. To add to the difficulty of being a rookie, the defense also began with a new system under Mike Zimmer. A shaky start indeed led to Liufau not seeing as much game time as he did at the start of the season. Some guys take that heavy, but not Liufau. He used it as an opportunity to learn.
In a locker room interview on December 18, 2024, Liufau was asked about what he has learned from DeMarvion Overshown this season. He responded:
“It’s really watching him, as opposed to one-on-one conversation, just watching how he plays. The way he plays the game is just a model of how you should play the game. I really respect that as a young player coming into this league. You can see the effort he puts out on the field – it’s a testament to who he is and I really try to learn as much as I can from his game.”He goes on to describe some of Overshown’s relentless energy, how he never gives up. Given a chance to make a difference on the field, Liufau hasn’t given up either.
Cowboys Marist Liufau – Difference Maker on Defense
Against the Panthers where Liufau played a majority of the time, he immediately made an impact. Possibly mimicking some of that same fire that Overshown displays, Liufau punched the ball out of Bryce Young’s arms, creating a fumble at the start of the third quarter. This play was ample for momentum since the Cowboys offense had turned the ball over right before half-time, leading directly to a Carolina score.
Liufau talked on that point too, saying “Even if we’re not in a padded practice, I still try to get the motion in”. It’s these small efforts that snowball into big plays for the team. Not to mention that Liufau tied for first in tackles for his team, along with veterans Donovan Wilson and Eric Kendricks. Liufau’s play helped keep an impressive Chuba Hubbard to only 32 yards with 10 carries. He’s no Overshown, but he’s playing with a fire unseen in the first half of the seasonMore Opportunities on the Way
Baker Mayfield is a quarterback prone to making mistakes. He gets throw-happy and ruins opportunities by being too aggressive in the passing game. This puts an excellent opportunity in Liufau’s hands. He can come away with another forced fumble or even an interception if the timing is right.
But more than just this upcoming week, the Cowboys are thankful for Liufau in the years to come. A young Cowboys team has proved challenging, but helpful when looking out farther. Getting deep into the depth chart can be a humbling experience. However, the Cowboys should see it as proof that they’ve got some fantastic guys on this team and are likely to keep them for a few years at least.
