'A Perfect Fit': Sarkisian Raves About DeMarvion Overshown's Role With Cowboys
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Steve Sarkisian is a college coach enhanced with NFL experience. He might not know how defensive formations translate from Saturdays to Sundays, but he does know what Dan Quinn likes in his players.
Perhaps that's why he's the ideal candidate to give a scouting report to Dallas Cowboys fans on their newest linebacker in DeMarvion Overshown. And if Quinn signed off on the selection, there's a reason why Agent Zero could carve out a niche role during his rookie campaign.
"At the end of the day, versatility really helps in that system, and I think DeMo provides that," Sarkisian told a group of spectators during the Texas Fight Tour Wednesday evening just outside of Arlington. "We saw it obviously with DQ last year with Micah Parsons and moving him around, so I think DeMo's versatility can play into that."
Overshown, Dallas' third-round pick in last month's draft, was a staple of Sarkisian's defense the previous two years with the Texas Longhorns. He was a fan favorite, often donning a black cowboy hat on gamedays and getting the crowd pumped up during pregames inside the walls of Royal-Memorial Stadium.
Known for this iconic armband look by the fans, Sarkisian knew Overshown as a fast, physical playmaker with a mean streak defending the run. In back-to-back seasons, Overshown finished as one of Texas' top two tacklers. Last season, he finished second in stops behind All-Big 12 linebacker Jaylan Ford.
Quinn, who enters his third season as the Cowboys defensive coordinator, served as the Atlanta Falcons' head coach for six seasons. After a brief stint at Alabama, Sarkisian was hired as Atlanta's offensive coordinator and served under Quinn for two seasons.
Sarkisian said Quinn didn't contact him for intel on Overshown during the pre-draft process. He likely saw the same type of impactful player that Sark saw based on the film that made Jerry Jones pull the trigger.
"He’s a runner," Sarkisian said of Overshown. "He’s a hitter. He’s got great speed, and I know he loves ball, so I just think it’s an awesome fit.”
Time will tell if Quinn transforms Overshown into the next great Cowboy, but Sarkisian considers his former captain the right option for Dallas' defense due to his versatility. In four years, Overshown played everywhere, including safety, linebacker and even took reps as a situational pass rusher.
“I’m fired up for the Cowboys and I’m fired up for DeMo,” Sarkisian said. “I think he’s a perfect fit.
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