# Pac-12 Coaches Notice Same Two Washington State Players

> Pac-12 coaches consistently highlight Washington State's Linus Zunk and Matyus McLain as dynamic defensive threats.
- Title: Pac-12 Coaches Notice Same Two Washington State Players
- Summary: Pac-12 coaches consistently highlight Washington State's Linus Zunk and Matyus McLain as dynamic defensive threats. Pac-12 coaches repeatedly identify…
- Keywords: pac-12, washington state cougars, linus zunk, matyus mclean, defensive ends, scouting report, coaching, football, sports, Coaches, Notice, Same
- Source: Washington State Cougars On SI — https://si.com/college/washington-state/football/pac-12-coaches-keep-noticing-the-same-two-washington-state-players
- Published: 2026-10-27T01:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pac-12, washington state cougars, linus zunk, matyus mclean, defensive ends, scouting report, coaching, football, sports
## Pac-12 Coaches Notice Same Two Players
Pac-12 coaches consistently highlight Washington State's Linus Zunk and Matyus McLain as key defensive threats.
## Sean Lewis Highlights Zunk and McLain
San Diego State coach Sean Lewis named senior Linus Zunk and junior Matyus McLain as Washington State's dynamic edges.

> Dynamic edges
## Zunk and McLain on Mention Lists
Zunk and McLain were top of Boise State's mention list a week ago and high on Oregon State's unsolicited checklist two weeks ago.
## Why They Work Well Together
Moore says Zunk has power and McLain has twitch, creating chaos in opposing backfields and stopping runs early.

> Linus can play with a little bit more power at times. Matyus has some really good twitch on the perimeter of making moves on (offensive) tackles, and creating a rush.
## Zunk's Background
Zunk grew up in Berlin, Germany, played basketball early, then football at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee High School in Georgia.
## McLain's Background
McLain is an Idaho small-town product who won two games at Priest River before joining Washington State.
## McLain's Resilience
McLain says he has lost before but will keep going, not rolling over and quitting with his team.

> I’ve lost before - it happens. The only thing you can do is keep going. I am not going to roll over and quit, and I don’t think anyone else in the locker room is going to do that, either.
## McLain's Hobby
McLain paints LEGO 'Star Wars' scenes and his dog in a cowboy hat during downtime.

> I’ve painted a LEGO 'Star Wars' scene and my dog in a cowboy hat.
## Their Impact
Zunk and McLain create enough chaos for coaches to mention them weekly despite only three sacks and six quarterback hurries.

> Watch the tape, we are all over the (offensive) line. It is no question about it.
## What Happens Next
Pac-12 coaches will continue to highlight Zunk and McLain as Washington State's defensive leaders.
## Key takeaway

Pac-12 coaches repeatedly identify Washington State's Linus Zunk and Matyus McLain as key defensive players who disrupt opponents.