By Jamal Baker
NDG Contributing Writer
The Dallas Cowboys kicked off training camp July 22 in Oxnard, California, as the team prepares for a highly anticipated upcoming season. Two defenders are already emerging as standouts in camp: defensive end Sam Williams and linebacker Marist Liufau.
Liufau credits experience as the best teacher, saying it’s helped him approach this year’s camp with greater confidence and comfort.
“I think having a year under my belt, a lot of that helps with my confidence, for sure,” Liufau said. “And the game’s slowing down because of that. Yeah, just feeling more comfortable at the NFL level.”
The Notre Dame product also improved a certain aspect of his game that will allow him to flourish in new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ scheme.
“I worked a lot on my speed,” Liufau said. “That was a big thing that I wanted to work on this offseason, and also my conditioning. Knowing [Matt] Eberflus’ system, we’re gonna be running a lot, and it emphasizes running through the ball, and so we got to be in the best shape to be able to dominate and play the kind of defense that we want.
“I got a lot of work on the hills. I did a lot of footwork drills. Just to work on my feet a lot and my power while I’m driving. That’s why I did a lot of hills.”
Liufau is expected to play a significant role next season as rising star DeMarvion Overshown continues to recover from the torn ACL he suffered last year.
With a clear path to more playing time and the tools to thrive, Liufau has a golden opportunity to cement his role in the Cowboys linebacker corps.
Williams has been a full participant in training camp, showing no signs of rust after suffering a torn ACL during last year’s camp. Now back to full strength, he appears ready to make an impact on the Cowboys’ defense.
“It feels like I never had an injury. I’ve put in the work. I feel great. Fantastic. No soreness. No aches. I’m running. I’m hitting 22 miles per hour, at 260 (pounds). That should tell you everything,” Williams said.
Prior to his injury, Williams looked like a player who was ready to be a force to be reckoned with along the defensive line. He has the positional versatility to set the edge as a defensive end and rush the passer from the three-technique on obvious passing situations.
As a rotational piece, Williams recorded 4.5 sacks and five tackles for loss in 2023 during his sophomore campaign.
“I was patient, I took it in. I developed myself as a person, myself as a player, and I’m just grateful that I have an opportunity to play again,” Williams said.
The former Ole Miss standout is looking forward to reestablishing himself as an impact player and showcasing the work he put in to be back on the field.
“It’s an opportunity, opportunity to play the game and the sport I love. Opportunity to be with the brothers again…I’m just happy, I’m just happy to be here,” Williams said.
As the season approaches, Williams is focused on doing his part to help the Cowboys chase a championship.
