It’s starting to sound like a plot twist is brewing for a Dallas Cowboys player on what could be a last chance type of season. When defensive coordinator Christian Parker announced Marist Liufau would move from inside linebacker to outside linebacker/edge rusher, it raised concerns.

After all, a position switch in Year 3 of a player’s career is often a dangerous sign. But based on recent words from Cowboys national scout Ross Wuensche during an interview with Crown Global Media, it would be a mistake to look at things that way.

Liufau is turning heads in practice

When speaking about Liufau changing positions, Wuensche had a very optimistic tone.

“I think he’s got new life, man,” Wuensche said. “He balled out yesterday. He looks good. He looks like he’s put on a little weight. [. . .] I think [his versatility is] what we loved about him coming out, and he’s shown it. He’s taken to the new defense. I think he’s going to be a really cool matchup piece for us.”

That isn’t a guarantee Liufau is making the roster. But if you ask me, it does sound like the Cowboys have a vision for him.

“I’m telling you, he balled out,” Wuensche added. “He’s going to have a chance. I do think he’s got a new lease on life. Not like he got buried or anything, but his ability to move to multiple spots and handle it mentally. He’s got the length, he’s got the play style we’re looking for, and like I said, he looks like he’s filled out. He looks great.”

Wuensche added looking at Parker’s defense, it’s clear Liufau can play that versatile role for the Cowboys. Going into mandatory minicamp and later, training camp, Liufau has a chance to continue to impress. And the good news for him is this isn’t a new situation to him.

Liufau already played the part in Notre Dame

During his Notre Dame career, Marist Liufau was one of the more heavily debated players on the entire roster. Blessed with great length, an NFL frame, and plenty of explosiveness, his athleticism popped from the very beginning. Once he started getting defensive reps, his range and explosiveness allowed him to make some huge plays.

The debate centered around Liufau’s instincts at linebacker, and whether a more simplistic role would be best for him. Liufau was used to rush off the edge at times due to his length, twitch, and bend, where he did create some flash plays. When he was used as an attacking player during his time in South Bend, it always made for a more consistent version of Liufau, which is why some thought a role as a 3-4 outside linebacker might be his best fit coming out of college.

Earlier in the offseason, Cowboys DC Christian Parker revealed he actually leaned into former Notre Dame coach Clark Lea for insight on Liufau.

“His first college position coach, Clark Lea—I actually worked with Clark at Notre Dame—I called Clark about him, and he just talked about how smart and instinctive he was,” Parker added. “And you feel that on tape.”

There is no question that Liufau has a lot of athletic gifts. At some point, his processing will need to get to a point to allow those gifts to pop more often. He was always considered to be a great athlete at Notre Dame, but not necessarily a great football player.

The Cowboys’ gamble may be all about reducing the processing on Liufau’s plate and tapping into the athleticism upside. If it works, it could change his career outlook.

Will he make the Cowboys roster?

Let’s be honest. It’s tough to call Liufau a roster lock. I believe this will be one of the toughest decisions on the Cowboys’ hands when cutdown day comes around. But based on Wuensche’s words, he clearly has a chance. And he has an ace under his sleeve: special teams experience.

Last year, he was second on the team on special teams snaps. That could be a key tiebreaker when the Cowboys coaches are making the final cuts. I could see Liufau playing a key role in subpackages.