Introducing the new Hoosiers: Cody Faulkner

With the IU football team losing three starting offensive linemen to graduation (Isaac Sowells , Adam Hines and Brandon Hatcher), coach Terry Hoeppner and his staff needed help along the front line. In recruiting Cody Faulkner, they got it.\nThe 6-foot-5, 306-pound lineman, regarded as one of IU's top recruits in the class of 2006, was a three-year starter for Hamilton Heights High School in Cicero, Ind., a career that produced several state and national honors. \nFaulkner was named to the All-State Top 33 and Tremendous 26 teams. He also earned CBS Sportsline All-America All-Region honors as a senior. \nFaulkner racked up awards his entire high school career as he garnered all-state honors in his sophomore and junior seasons. He also earned class 3A first team all-state honors, while registering a blocking efficiency of 92 percent during his career at Hamilton Heights. \nAdditionally, Faulkner collected the Kokomo Tribune all-area first team recognition and All-Mid-Indiana Conference first team honors.\nFaulkner added to his resume with a spot on the Fab 50 offensive lineman watch list. He also competed in the Max Emfinger (known as the voice of high school recruiting) All-American Bowl in Shreveport, La. \nFaulkner is the son of former Florida tight end Chris Faulkner , who went on to play professionally with the Dallas Cowbows (1983-84), Los Angeles Rams (1984) and San Diego Chargers (1985). \nScout.com gives Faulkner high praise in its scouting report: "gives 110% effort on every play. Very good short-area blocker. Big, athletic road grader. His size, strength, power and bulk to dominate when he plays with leverage. Very good lower-body strength. Dominates as drive run blocker. Plays to the whistle. Shows nastiness. Powerful hands. OG at next level"