ODUSports.com reports daily on Old Dominion football practice and one of the features will be a Q&A with a student-athlete. Today's Q&A is with redshirt sophomore offensive lineman, Cullen Casey.
Q: When did you start playing football?
A: I started playing when I was eight years old.
Q: Why did you choose Old Dominion?
A: Coach Ron Whitcomb is from East Rochester, New York, so I felt connected here; it felt like home.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hampton Roads?
A: There’s a lot to do around here away from practice. There is the beach and a lot of good restaurants. ODU is a great school and has a great environment, too.
Q: What is your major?
A: I am majoring in business marketing with a minor in psychology.
Q: You came here as a defensive lineman and switched to o-line last year. How has the switch gone for you?
A: It has really been a turning point for me. When I first got here, I was immature and undisciplined. Once I switched to offensive line, I started to become more comfortable with it in the fall, and I think I am more naturally talented at it.
Q: What got you into football?
A: My dad got me into football. He played football and basketball as a kid, so he got me into those sports as well as baseball when I was growing up. I was always big and fast, and I had quick feet, so I fell in love with football pretty quickly.
Q: Who is your role model?
A: I would say my mom and dad but especially my mom. My mom is like my best friend. The way she cares for me and deals with daily issues in her life really inspires me to be like her and find someone like her.
Q: Favorite food?
A: I would have to say cheeseburgers.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: I have quite a few: all the Minions movies, Up, Big Hero 6, and Happy Feet.
Q: Favorite music artist?
A: I like a wide range of music from The Clancy Brothers to Fetty Wap. I like Drake, Mumford & Sons and a lot of others. It all depends on the mood I’m in.
Q: What’s on your iPod?
A: Before a game, I would probably be listening to The Clancy Brothers or Mumford & Sons. For my position, you don’t really want to be listening to rap before you go out there. I try to listen to things that help me relax.
Q: Favorite NFL team?
A: My favorite NFL team is the Cleveland Browns.
Q: What would your superpower be and why?
A: I would like to be able to read minds. I tend to hyper-analyze everything, so it would be nice to actually be able to always know the answers.
Q: Hidden talents?
A: My hidden talent would be dancing and rapping.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about playing in the opener at Eastern Michigan?
A: Honestly, for people who have been around the program for a few years, they know that I didn’t get off to a great start here. Adjusting to college life was tough for me, and I wasn’t as focused on football as I should have been. So now, I really want to earn my keep and earn my scholarship. I want to be able to call my parents at the Eastern Michigan game and tell them I am starting.
Q: Favorite athlete?
A: My favorite athlete is Bill Laimbeer, a former basketball player for the Detroit Pistons.
Q: One place you want to travel to?
A: I would go with Ireland.
Q: Famous person you hope to meet?
A: I think it would be really cool to meet Will Ferrell. He is one of the funniest guys, ever.
Q: Favorite actor/actress?
A: My favorite actor would be Matthew McConaughey.
Q: What kind of adjustments did you have to make, being so far from home?
A: I came here from 10 hours away, and I consider myself kind of a “mama’s boy.” So it was hard to be responsible when I was used to my mom being there always. When I came here, I didn’t have someone on my back reminding me to be focused and disciplined. I really just had to become my own man, but I am still working on it.
Q: What are some of the adjustments you have had to make from year one and year two to now, year three?
A: I learned to make no excuses. Either you get the job done or you don’t. Switching to offense has been a good kick in the butt for me. Now I’ve learned to just stay focused on the task at hand.