Early Years
Cushing is one of three children. His mother was born in Germany and his father was born in Bayonne, New Jersey. His brother Michael was a rugby player at Providence College, who earned 1st Team All American Honors. Cushing trained throughout his childhood in Park Ridge, New Jersey. Cushing attended Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey and went on to lead the Crusaders to the 2004 Group IV State Championship as a linebacker, tight end, and running back against Don Bosco Preparatory High School, providing huge plays in the 13-10 win. He was named "2004 North Jersey Player of the Year" by The Record (Bergen County). and played in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl alongside future USC teammates Patrick Turner, Rey Maualuga and Mark Sanchez.
Cushing was recruited by top colleges, including Penn State, Georgia, & Notre Dame before ultimately committing to the University of Southern California. Cushing was a four year starter who also started in four Rose Bowls. Only two players have ever done this; Archie Griffin (two time Heisman Trophy winner) from Ohio State University was the other.
Read more about this topic: Brian Cushing
Famous quotes related to early years:
“I believe that if we are to survive as a planet, we must teach this next generation to handle their own conflicts assertively and nonviolently. If in their early years our children learn to listen to all sides of the story, use their heads and then their mouths, and come up with a plan and share, then, when they become our leaders, and some of them will, they will have the tools to handle global problems and conflict.”
—Barbara Coloroso (20th century)