/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62709446/SPT_Punahou_Football_Practice_701.0.jpg)
Yes, Virginia... the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are loading up on linebackers. Over the last decade, the state of Hawaii has offered quite a bit of talent to the game of football, and those that were willing to put in the effort received a nice reward. Notre Dame and Clark Lea really fell in love with Marist Liufau, and gave him a spot on a tight ship. He happily accepted just about a month ago.
It’s official now, as Marist has sent in his NLI to Notre Dame this morning during the early signing period for college football.
This is sort of a no-brainer. An athletic linebacker with speed that can play sideline to sideline aggressively. That seems to be what a linebacker is supposed to do in this day and age, and Liufau is on that path. His frame is perfect for a strength and conditioning program to get a hold of and scientifically create a monster.
Recruiting Hawaii is a little difficult — especially in South Bend, but Notre Dame is evolving into one of those places that the Polynesian players can make another home during their college years. It’s a family setting, and the Irish just got another great brother.
Liufau chose the Irish over the west coast; the USC Trojans, Oregon Ducks, Utah Utes, and others.
Marist Liufau has become a very hot prospect this fall as he’s had a great senior year, and his body is starting to fill out. Marist beefed up from 175 pounds to 210 pounds on his 6’3” frame. He has a great combination of size, speed, and power (to go along with just absolutely tremendous hair).