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Wonder Twins... Activate: Grand Oaks' Thompson's time has come
Their older sister, Fallon, set the bar high, playing volleyball at Gonzaga. Now, Halle is following in her footsteps—and then some. The No. 2 volleyball recruit in the nation, she’s committed to Wisconsin and already boasts two Class 6A State Titles at Grand Oaks.
It took a little longer, but Cullen is now making his mark, exploding onto the football recruiting scene as a 6-foot-4 edge rusher.
“As twins, it’s different from just a regular sibling relationship,” Cullen said. “We share birthdays, we share a car, we share a deep connection. So when she was getting all the attention in volleyball, I wasn’t jealous—I was really proud. I knew my time would come.”
That time has arrived. With offers from SEC, Big 12, and Big Ten schools, Cullen is a rising force.
“I think my speed, lateral quickness, athleticism, and my ghost rush really set me apart,” he said. “My football journey is just getting started. My trainers call me ‘The Mutant.’ I didn’t watch much football growing up, but I’ve been told I have the athleticism of Javon Kearse—he was called ‘The Freak.’”
Athleticism runs in the family. Their mom, Libra Thompson, played volleyball at Rice and is known for her big personality. Their dad, Scott, is the more laid-back type.
And in a wild twist, when the twins were less than a year old, Libra was selected for the CBS reality show Big Brother, where she finished ninth overall after 38 days in the house.
“My mom is a big personality—that’s where Halle and I get it from,” Cullen laughed. “We get our rambunctious side from her. My dad is our chill side.”
The Thompson twins are a team in every sense, and Cullen is hoping to lead his Grand Oaks football squad to a historic season.
“I feel like Grand Oaks is on the rise,” he said. “I’m going to be showcased on defense, and we have some nice players around me. I really feel like I’m going to have a breakout senior season that will open up even more opportunities.”
An early graduate, Cullen is looking for the right fit at the next level.
“This process has taught me to be patient,” he said. “My time will come on the field in college, too. Graduating early will help me develop sooner. I’m going into a school to learn and earn my way on the field. I don’t have to play as a freshman—I just want a staff that will get the most out of me.”