EDDIE FAULKNER
"I loved every second in Madison," Faulkner said. "Now to have the opportunity to go back to Wisconsin and coach football, are you kidding me? Who wouldn't want that chance?''
Faulkner developed a strong working rela- tionship with Canada, who was the offensive coordinator at Northern Illinois before replac- ing Chryst and taking on the same title with the Badgers. When asked how that factored into his deci-
sion, the 34-year-old Faulkner said that "ulti- mately working for Coach Canada was the brunt of it; we were able to do some good things last season.'' On Chryst's reaction to his departure, he add-
ed, "All in all, he was absolutely understanding. He's not about holding anyone back from what they think is best for their family and their situ- ation.'' In the midst of the transition on the UW's of-
fensive staff, Canada and Faulkner bring some continuity because of what they accomplished during their one season together in DeKalb. "I know Matt's offense,'' Faulkner said, "and what he wants to try and get done.'' Faulkner also has a connection with UW run- ning backs coach Thomas Hammock. "We both kicked off our careers at about the same time,'' he pointed out. That was in 2003. Hammock, the former Northern Illinois tail- back, was a grad assistant at Wisconsin. Faulkner, the former Wisconsin tailback, was a grad assistant at Ball State. "We've stayed in touch since then,'' Faulkner said. "I have a lot of respect for Thomas.'' As a player, Faulkner earned respect for the
way he handled his role. He was not only the backup to Ron Dayne, the Heisman Trophy win-
38 ยป VARSITY FEBRUARY 9, 2012
ner, but also to Michael Bennett, a first-round NFL draft pick. In 1997, Dayne injured his ankle on the first
series against Iowa and didn't play the rest of the game. Faulkner stepped in and rushed for 119 yards and the only touchdown in a 13-10 victory. That broke an 18-game winless streak against the Hawkeyes. In 2000, Faulkner took over for Bennett, who
