Indiana University Athletics
Cody Faulkner Profile
4/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 6, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - If there is any question about Cody Faulkner's work ethic, look no further than the World War II memorial located in front of the Tipton County (Ind.) Courthouse.
"My (Eagle Scout) project was to erect an 11.5-foot tall veterans memorial. I raised $110,000 over three years, by selling bricks for $50 and benches for $3,000," Faulkner said. "I also collected grants and donations to help raise the funds. The idea for my project was derived from my great grandfather, Joseph Vien. He fought in WWII and passed away two years before I started the memorial. I learned perseverance from this project. There were many instances where I could have stopped and done something easier but my parents encouraged me to keep going."
Indeed, Faulkner followed a core objective in order to reach the Scouts of America pinnacle.
"The scout law is: A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, cautious, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent," Faulkner said. "All of these things are important in our daily lives, whether it be at work, in the classroom, or on the field."
Indiana head coach Terry Hoeppner has high aspirations for the 6-5, 306-pound offensive lineman, ranked among the nation's top 50 high school seniors at his position. Faulkner is one of seven offensive linemen in the Hoosiers' 2006 signing class, a group that Hoeppner has tabbed the "seven blocks of limestone."
It's a moniker to which Faulkner is eager to fulfill.
"I think of it as a challenge," Faulkner said. "One that will call us to a higher standard and push us farther than we think we can go."
Ever the entrepreneur, Faulkner is already devising a marketing plan.
"The photo I would like to do for a poster is of all the "seven blocks" at the quarry in hard hats with sledge hammers," Faulkner said. "One option is to be wearing football pants, socks and cleats with IU helmets sitting on blocks of stone, or we could wear jeans and work boots with tank tops. This way Coach Hep can have his choice."
Hoeppner will cross that bridge when he gets to it. Hoeppner and the Hoosiers are in the midst of spring practice, which culminates with the April 15 spring game. Faulkner has been a frequent visitor to Hoosier drills the past few weeks, and it does nothing but fuel Faulkner's own offseason conditioning.
"Right now, I'm working on speed. As summer draws closer, I will work into the distance phase of my conditioning program," Faulkner said. "I currently lift and run each day. I also throw shot put and discus (for the Hamilton Heights track and field team)."
Faulkner relies on his family for guidance on-and-off the football field. His father, Chris played tight end at Florida and four years in the National Football League.
"My father has taught me to be who I am both in life and on the field. He has been my football coach since I started in the fifth grade youth league," Faulkner said. "He along with the rest of my family has been my rock to lean upon in times of turmoil. He has taught me to keep my faith in God and to stay on the right path, away from drugs and alcohol which will help to lengthen my career."
While Faulkner has a bright future ahead on the gridiron, he also sees life after football and plans to major in telecommunications at Indiana.
"I have always liked designing things and working with electronics," Faulkner said. "After meeting with an advisor, I have realized that there are several different fields that I can study within this degree that spark my interest. These include video game design, special effects and broadcasting."
The decision to major in telecommunications is indicative of Faulkner's approach to recruiting.
"Enjoy the ride. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," Faulkner said. "When you choose a school, make sure that you would be happy there with or without football."
Thus, Faulkner and the Hoosiers are a perfect fit.
"Many things attracted me to IU: reputation, academics, beautiful campus, close to home, Coach Hoeppner and his staff," Faulkner said. "I am an Indiana boy, and I want to play Indiana football."
IU's 2006 spring season concludes with the annual Cream and Crimson intrasquad game on April 15 at 4 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
IU season ticket holders will also have the opportunity to renew their season tickets before the April 17 priority deadline to save 10 percent off the price of an adult ticket. Please call 855-4006 or 866-IUSPORTS for more information.
