Brian Cushing, 2009 NFL Draft Prospect
 | Outside Linebacker 6”3’ / 255 lbs. USC Strengths: versatile, strong, athletic Weakness: injury prone, controversial By: John L. Clarke  |
One of the more interesting stories in the 2009 NFL Draft is that of OLB/DE Brian Cushing. Originally from the East Coast (New Jersey), he tracked across the country as the 5th ranked OLB to play for the football factory also known as USC. As a freshman, he was a backup for all 3 LB positions, but mainly played on the strong side of the 4-3 defense. He started 4 games, in which he made a significant impact and showed flashes of his playmaking ability.
His sophomore year was a spectacular one, as he switched between SLB in the 4-3 defense and “elephant” defensive end in the 3-4 hybrid. Being versatile is one of the reasons he is so effective when stepping on the gridiron. He actually was a strong safety and wide receiver in high school before being recruited as an OLB.
His junior year, he made the switch to a full time SLB which is the position most likely he’ll play in the NFL. As his year went so did his body, as he suffered a minor knee injury before the season and 2 sprained ankles during the season, the latter of which he just had surgery on. He also suffered through shoulder problems throughout his freshman and sophomore, which required surgery.
It is at this point in the story where it starts to get interesting. Circles of rumors about steroid use and Cushing have almost become as common as USC’s dominance. Truth be told, he was a physical specimen, seemingly blessed with good genes even as a prep star. After countless surgeries (3 and counting) he seems to have lost a good portion of definition that he use to be recognized by. Although no formal charges have been brought to light, this is something that may affect his draft status with NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell’s strict conduct policy in place. Whatever the reason for his muscular decline, his athletic prowess is something that cannot be questioned. He is just as quick as he is fast and has strength of a d-lineman with the coverage skills of a free safety. These unique talents should translate into a great senior season (barring yet another surgery) as well as a solid NFL career.
His health, along with USC’s record, will be tested this year as several leaders (Keith Rivers, Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson) went to the NFL. Fellow linebacker Rey Maualuga and Cushing now carry the load, which will become the barometer of how far these two seniors have come since first arriving as freshman in Los Angeles. Only time will tell on whether Cushing goes in the later part of the 1st round, or slips to the 3rd round, as former Penn State Linebacker Dan Connor surprisingly did.
Awards and Accolades
2008
2008 Playboy Pre-Season All-American team.
2008 "Watch List" for the Bronko Nagurski Award
2008 "Watch List" for the Lott Trophy Award
2007
2007 All-Pac-10 honorable mention
2006
2006 Collegefootballnews.com Sophomore All-American third team
All-Pac-10 second team
Scout.com All-Pac-10 second team
John McKay Award (team Spirit Award)
Rose Bowl Defensive MVP
ESPN.com All-Bowl Team
CBSSportsline.com All-Bowl Team
2005
2005 Scout.com Freshman All-American honorable mention
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