Faulk chosen to play in All-American Bowl

Northshore High senior offensive lineman Chris Faulk has been selected to play in the ninth annual 2009 U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 3, 2009, at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Kickoff is set for noon, and the game will be televised on NBC.

At a school pep rally Friday afternoon, Faulk was presented with a jersey and a hat.

This season, Faulk has helped Northshore to a 7-2 record. The Panthers will host St. Thomas More in a bi-district game Friday night. This season, Faulk has not allowed a sack, but he made a key sack late in Friday’s game from his defensive end position.

Faulk, who has verbally committed to LSU, said he found out in August when Northshore coach Mike Bourg received a call from one of the sponsors to say Faulk would be in the game.

Faulk said this has been a goal for a while.

“I saw the game about five years ago. It was something I knew I wanted to do,” Faulk said.

The 6-foot-6, 315-pound lineman, who was unanimously voted as one of NHS’ team captains, talked about how big of an honor this is for him.

“It’s amazing,” Faulk said. “I never thought I’d be in this situation. I just thank God, my parents and my coaches for being there.”

Bourg said he is pleased to have had the opportunity to coach Faulk.

“He’s just an exceptional young man who has brought a lot of attention to Northshore and to the program,” Bourg said. “Chris has really helped us establish something here. When I started, he was a sophomore. I’ve been able to coach Chris for three years, and it’s been a pleasure watching him grow into a fine young man.”

Bourg, who has been coaching for 17 years, said Faulk is one of the better linemen he’s seen.

“He’s one of the best, if not the best, offensive lineman that I’ve ever been around,” Bourg said. “He’s so explosive and so strong. I think the reason LSU was so high on him was that he’s got great feet and great hands. I’ve always told people he’s a skilled player in a big man’s body.”

Faulk’s dad, Harris, and mom, Christine, are proud of their son.

“Words can’t really express the feelings I have right now for the award he has achieved for himself in this U.S. Army All-American Bowl,” Harris Faulk said. “It’s just unbelievable. We’re very proud of him. Hopefully he can continue to go on and get the goals he has set for himself.”

The contest is an East versus West match up and features the nation’s top 90 players. It has been played since 2001.

Ninety-three athletes who’ve played in the game have been drafted.

Two participants have won the Heisman Trophy, and three have captured the Maxwell Award. There have been three BCS Bowl MVPs.

Also, eight participants have made it to the Pro Bowl, one has won the Pro Bowl MVP award. There have been two Rookies of the Year and three Super Bowl champions.