2007: Cushing, who did a standout job starting at defensive end in 2006, moved back to his natural strongside linebacker spot as a junior in 2007 and didn't miss a beat. Overall while appearing in 10 games (all but Washington, Stanford and Arizona) and starting 8 times (Idaho and USC's last 7 games), he had 25 tackles, including 2.5 for losses of 4 yards (with a 2-yard sack), plus a fumble recovery and 2 deflections. He sprained his left ankle in the Idaho opener, then played briefly but didn't start the next 2 games (Nebraska and Washington State) before re-spraining it against Washington State and being sidelined for the next 3 contests.

2006: Cushing, who started 4 times in 2005 at strongside linebacker, started all of his 2006 sophomore season as a stand-up defensive end in USC's hybrid 3-4 "Elephant" defense. Overall in 2006 while appearing in all 13 games, he had 57 tackles, including a team-best 13.5 for losses of 52 yards (with 4.5 sacks for minus 33 yards), plus a deflection, a forced fumble, a blocked punt that he returned 21 yards (at Washington to set up a USC field goal) and a 42-yard scoring kickoff return of an onside kick (against Notre Dame).

2005: Cushing made quite an impact in 2005 as a first-year freshman linebacker, despite missing nearly half the season with a shoulder injury. He started USC's last 4 games (versus California, Fresno State, UCLA and Texas) on the strong side after previously serving as an often-used backup there and a key special teams player. Overall in 2005 while appearing in 8 games (he missed the Arkansas, Oregon, Arizona State, Arizona and Notre Dame games after dislocating his shoulder before the Arkansas contest), he made 23 tackles, including 0.5 for a loss, plus had 3 deflections, 2 fumble recoveries and a blocked punt that he returned 6 yards. He made 2005 Scout.com Freshman All-American honorable mention. After the season, he had surgery to repair a dislocating shoulder.

High School: Scout.com All-American first team, Cushing played linebacker, running back and tight end at Bergen Catholic High in Oradell (N.J.). He had 120 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and 7 interceptions on offense in 2004, plus 475 rushing yards with 10 TDs and 13 receptions for 456 yards (35.1 avg.) with 7 TDs and a kickoff return for a score. He did all that despite missing 3 games with an ankle sprain. As a junior in 2003, he was namedAll-Bergen County Defensive Player of the Year while posting 120 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 9 sacks and 7 interceptions.