{
  "id": 1171872,
  "title": "Why Eastern Washington feels even more confident about linebacker room this season: 'Guys that can fly around'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/why-eastern-washington-feels-even-more-confident-about-linebacker",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T02:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-eastern-washington-feels-even-020100234.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Eastern Washington's defensive prowess this season is bolstered by a strong lineup of linebackers. Key contributors include Read Sunn, who led the team with 96 tackles and five quarterback hurries last year, and recent additions Myles Mayovsky and Samarai Anderson. The team also boasts a depth of talent in the form of transfers LJ Roberts and Matt Eskridge II, as well as freshman linebackers Deville Warner, Jameson Wade, and Jordan Rife. Coach Zach Bruce hails the defense's nickel defense, crediting Jaylon Jenkins, Bryce Smith, and McKel Broussard as standout safeties. Bruce also highlights the skills of young players like Vincent Macaluso, Shea Robertson, and Gage Brumfield, who are expected to make significant impacts on the field. The Eagles' goal is to improve upon their strong pass defense while also addressing their rushing defense and third-down struggles from last season. With a well-rounded group of linebackers, Eastern Washington is poised to take their defense to the next level this season.",
  "summary": "Aug. 15—One of the success stories of last year's Eastern Washington football team was the signing and then the performance of linebacker Read Sunn. Sunn came to Cheney as a graduate student after four years at Wyoming, where he made 42 appearances but just one start. In 2025, he led Eastern with 96 tackles and five quarterback hurries, and he tied for the lead in forced fumbles (two) and ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Eastern Washington boasts a strong lineup of linebackers.",
    "Key contributors include Read Sunn, Myles Mayovsky, and Samarai Anderson.",
    "Coach Zach Bruce highlights the team's nickel defense."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Eastern Washington's bolstered linebacker room, with a mix of returning contributors and new talent, sets the stage for the team to address last season's rushing defense and third-down struggles.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}