Marist Liufau & Notre Dame Linebackers Comfortable in Year Two of the Golden Era
Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau made his return to the field a year ago after suffering a broken leg that cost him the 2021 season. The Hawaii native recorded 51 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks, but he’s looking to improve on those numbers this fall.
Liufau will be in the same scheme for a second year in a row after learning three defenses in three years and there is confidence the entire defense can take a step forward by simply being more comfortable.
“We’ve gotten a lot closer,” Liufau stated. “We understand what he expects of us. That has allowed us to grow and execute our assignments more to the way he wants throughout the defense.”
Perhaps the next step for the defense will be to find its identity. Three practices into fall camp might be a bit early to completely develop that identity, but the dog days of August are coming and that will shape Al Golden’s defense in 2023.
“I would say it’s evolving through fall camp,” said Liufau. “Every year we have a new team. I think we’re building that through fall camp. We’re off to a great start.”
As for individual goals, Liufau has his focus on mastering Golden’s defense, but also learning the finer points of the other side of the ball to give him a mental advantage.
“My goal was to be more comfortable in the defense to play faster,” explained Liufau. “I’d like to play faster and be able to read the offense better so I can be in good position to make plays.”
Enter Max Bullough.
The newest linebacker graduate assistant is known for his mental awareness and it’s rubbing off on the Notre Dame linebackers, which could be a difference maker in the fall when combined with the same scheme.
“Max has brought a lot of energy to the room,” Liufau said. “It’s great to have him. We have early mornings and he’s the same all the time. He’s a good teacher to us. He really knows the game well, so it’s been good.”
There will be lofty goals for Notre Dame’s linebackers as Liufau, JD Bertrand and Jack Kiser have a ton of experience. The high expectations are welcomed and embraced as all three look to be the heart and soul of the Irish defense.
“I would say our expectations are to continue to be good leaders out there,” stated Liufau. “We’re a big role on the defense. We get everyone lined up, get the call, communicate checks and all kinds of stuff. We have to continue to be good leaders out there.”
And while there is pressure to be a more productive unit, Liufau believes it will happen due to the trust that’s been built over the last four years.
“We have a strong relationship,” Liufau explained. “We came in together. Jack came in the spring earlier, but we still have a great relationship on and off the field. We have a lot of chemistry. It makes things easier for us.”
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