“Unveiling Shadows: Oregon State’s Countdown to Kickoff Reveals Three Elite Offensive Linemen at No. 60”
The Oregon State Beavers will kick off their 2024 season on August 31 at home against Idaho State. Leading up to this event, The Oregonian/OregonLive will feature daily mini-profiles on notable former and current Beavers whose jersey numbers correspond to the countdown days until the opening game.
Today, we highlight No. 60, focusing on three distinguished offensive linemen: Len Younce, Chris Gibson, and Alex Linnenkohl.
Len Younce
Hailing from Roosevelt High School, showcased his versatility playing offense, defense, and handling punting duties during his football career. He made a significant impact at Oregon State from 1938 to 1940, excelling as both a punter and guard. Younce’s achievements include being named All-Coast in 1940 and earning honorable mention All-American honors. He played in the prestigious 1941 East-West Shrine Game and later coached Oregon State’s offensive line from 1949 to 1954. Younce was drafted by the New York Giants in 1941 and went on to spend six seasons with them, achieving All-Pro status in 1944 and securing a place on the NFL’s 1940s All-Decade Team. He was posthumously inducted into the State of Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Oregon State Sports Hall of Fame in 1988, passing away in 2000 at the age of 83.
Chris Gibson
Recruited from Roseburg High School, left a lasting mark as one of Oregon State’s premier centers from 1998 to 2001. Notably, he helped lead the Beavers to a Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame in 2000 and was recognized as a third-team All-American that year. Gibson also earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2000 and second-team honors in 2001.
Alex Linnenkohl
Recruited from Capital High School in Olympia, Washington, began his Oregon State journey in 2006. After redshirting his freshman year, he became a starter in 2008 and emerged as a key figure on the offensive line. Linnenkohl’s standout performance earned him second-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2010, following an honorable mention in 2009. Though undrafted, he signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears.
Together, Len Younce, Chris Gibson, and Alex Linnenkohl represent a legacy of excellence and leadership on the Oregon State Beavers’ offensive line, each contributing uniquely to the team’s storied history both on the field and beyond.