Aug. 22, 2005
Junior defensive lineman Casey Cullen, senior cornerback Brandon Harris, and senior wide receiver Rob Woods all have been awarded scholarships for the 2005-06 school year at Notre Dame after serving the team as non-scholarship players, Irish head football coach Charlie Weis announced Monday.
“This is a well-deserved reward for three young men who have created significant roles for themselves on this football team through their hard work and determination,” Weis said. “These three young men represent everything Notre Dame stands for on and off the field. I am pleased to be able to reward Brandon, Rob and Casey for their efforts.”
Cullen (Victoria, Texas) enters the 2005 season battling for a playing role at defensive tackle and on special teams. In his third year with the Irish, Cullen joined the team as a walk-on prior to the 2003 season. He has not see any game action during his career to this point, but moved from linebacker to the defensive line this past spring. Cullen enjoyed a stellar prep football career at St. Joseph High School in Victoria, Texas. Cullen’s grandfather, Christie Flanagan, was a two-time All-American halfback for the Irish (1926-27). He led St. Joseph to a state title game berth in his senior season while compiling a 12-1 record. Currently enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame, Cullen is majoring in Finance and has a 2.7 grade-point average.
Casey Cullen was one of three players awarded with scholarships on Monday. Aug. 22. Head coach Charlie Weis surprised the players with scholarship offers in front of the game after practice.
|
 |
Harris (New Orleans, La.) is in his second season with the Irish football team after joining the squad as a walk-on prior to the 2004 season. One of the team’s fastest players, Harris is in contention for a significant role this season at cornerback and as a return man. Harris played in one game last year (vs. Washington) as a wide receiver before moving to defense this spring. A Music major at Notre Dame with a grade-point average of 3.2, Harris was a high school standout at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans. Harris was not a part of the football team during his first two years at Notre Dame, but was team captain and most valuable player during his senior season of high school ball. Playing running back, receiver, linebacker and returner, Harris ended his prep career as Franklin’s all-time career leader in receptions and ranks second in career tackles. In addition to his academic and athletic activities, Harris also is a member of the Notre Dame Symphony Orchestra.
Senior Brandon Harris also is a member of Notre Dame’s Symphony Orchestra – and as of Monday he is now a scholarship player on the Irish football team.
|
|
Woods (Atlantic, Iowa) is in his fourth season with the Irish football team at wide receiver. In 2004, Woods played in eight games, primarily on special teams, and appeared in three games (Washington, Purdue and the Insight Bowl vs. Oregon State) at receiver. He made three tackles on special teams last season and made 20 special teams appearances overall, but did not make a catch at wide receiver. In 2001, Woods was a Scholar-Athlete Award recipient from the National Football Foundation. During high school at Atlantic, Woods was the captain of the football team and graduated first in his class. Currently enrolled in the College of Engineering at Notre Dame, Woods is majoring in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering and has a 3.95 grade-point average.