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New Faulk Article

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New Faulk Article

Nice article about Faulk, sounds like a great guy and I think we're going to see big things from him this year. It appears he's really come into his own…does it seem strange that the date on the article is Aug. 25th…Friday. ???

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/college/sfl-fbfau25aug25,0,1445397.story?coll=tf-main-sports


GO OWLS!
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New Faulk Article

Real nice story.

I don't know why the link didn't post right. It isn't too long.


At 6 feet 7, 285 pounds, he could be intimidating, but instead Faulk always has a bright smile.
I've been waiting for the updated roster for weights. Looks like Nello put more size on.

He's a multi-dimensional guy.

FAU - THE REAL SLEEPING GIANT
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New Faulk Article

Here is the full article:

Owls' work of art


FAU's Nello Faulk is an offensive lineman who plays to a different tune.

By Ted Hutton
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted August 25 2006


BOCA RATON ? Two life-altering events – one out of his control, one totally within it.

Each dramatic turn put Nello Faulk on the path that would lead him to football and Florida Atlantic, where he is a senior offensive lineman and a leader for the young Owls.

First was the death of his father, when Faulk was 9.

"My dad was old," Faulk said. "He was there, but he couldn't do anything with us."

Faulk's father was 70 when he died, after suffering from lung cancer and heart disease that kept him from playing with his children. To help deal with the grief, Faulk's mother, Patricia, encouraged her children to get involved in sports or other activities.

"I probably would have never played football if my dad had lived," Faulk said.

Next came a critical decision when Faulk was about to enter Robinson High in Tampa as a freshman.

"I was getting pulled into a situation I knew was not good," Faulk said. "I was heading for trouble."

Faulk's mother was working hard to keep the family together, but Faulk, the second youngest of six children, understood he needed a more structured environment. He needed Joe Pietro.

Pietro, who coached Faulk in youth football, welcomed Faulk into his home.

"It was a good decision. It put me back on the right path," said Faulk, who lived with the Pietros for four years.

Faulk didn't just become a star football and basketball player, he played in the band, served on the student council, and was homecoming king.

"Nello is a work of art," Pietro said. "There is not a nicer kid around."

Faulk never drifted far from his mother, and the two remain close.

"My mom taught me a lot, and Joe is my shining knight. Every day when I get up, I tell myself I am doing this for my mom and Joe," Faulk said.

When FAU assistant coach Kirk Hoza was recruiting Faulk, he noticed the strong bonds connecting Faulk to those closest to him.

"You could tell Nello had people around him who loved him," Hoza said.

It's not hard to see how people gravitate to Faulk.

At 6 feet 7, 285 pounds, he could be intimidating, but instead Faulk always has a bright smile.

"He always has a good vibe going," said John Rizzo, a sophomore who is on the offensive line with Faulk. "Always up, always trying to bring you up with him."

"You are always happy to see Nello. No matter how bad a day you have had, he brightens it up," Pietro said.

Faulk, who plays drums and piano, has been known to sit down for an impromptu piano concert in hotel lobbies when the team is on the road, and if there is a group of players laughing, Faulk usually can be found in the center of it.

Faulk does know when to get serious, and he is serious about football.

The Owls wanted to redshirt Faulk in 2003, but a paucity of linemen forced them to play him as a true freshman. He became a starter as a sophomore, when he played center, and moved to left tackle last season.

Faulk decided to stay in Boca Raton this summer and work out to prepare for his senior season and make sure the Owls improve on last season's 2-9 record. But FAU faces a tough schedule, beginning with a game at Clemson on Sept. 2.

"I look forward to playing – big, big, big teams," Faulk said. "It gets you recognized."

Faulk knows the Owls will be huge underdogs, but his optimism is not dampened.

"We can't get beat. We're from Florida. If we think like that, we can make it happen," Faulk said, already envisioning what it might be like to pull off the upset. "It sure would make the stands quiet. You'll just hear the birds chirping."

Then Faulk turns his head, cups his hand behind one ear, as if listening for those birds, and the broad smile on his face gets even bigger.





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New Faulk Article

This was on Marcus' blog:


Look for Clemson to move pre-season All-American DE Gaines Adams, who mostly will line up vs. Nello Faulk on the quarterbacks blind-side, to move around around a few times to take a crack at Williams.

A good test for Nello and a nice surprise for Adams who probably thinks it will be an easy afternoon.

FAU - THE REAL SLEEPING GIANT
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Plus he can do some mean cheer stunts like tumbling, flips and round-houses.. :)
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The OL faced an similar situation during the Minnesota game last year, hopefully that game will show the OL what is to be expected against Clemson.

Rusty will have to make some good and very quick decision.
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