Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau’s decision Tuesday to opt out of Notre Dame’s Dec. 29 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl matchup with Oregon State comes across as a bit of a head-scratcher at first glance.
Considering the fifth-year grad is certainly not projected as a high-round NFL Draft pick, or maybe a draft pick at all.
But his injury history, including the entire 2021 season being wiped out by a serious leg injury, tells a different story. He struggled to find consistency during the 2022 season as the starting Will (weakside) linebacker and still had puzzling moments of regression in 2023 at times.
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The upside remains undeniable and perhaps even better served with a sixth year at Notre Dame.
Instead, he’ll be in the 2024 NFL Draft pool after finishing as Notre Dame’s eighth-leading tackler (44 in 12 games). Six of those tackles went for losses with three sacks. The 6-foot-2, 239-pound Kalihi, Hawaii, product also had two pass breakups, two QB hurries a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Liufau has secured an invite to the Senior Bowl — the premier NFL Draft showcase — and had previously accepted, before announcing his bowl opt-out.
The Irish could move fellow fifth-year grad Jack Kiser inside for some reps and/or split those with surging sophomore Jaylen Sneed when No. 16 Notre Dame (9-3) takes on the 19th-ranked Beavers (8-4) in El Paso, Texas, on Dec. 29.
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