Interest rising for Martinek

Running back Joe Martinek out of Hopatcong, N.J. has held an offer from Rutgers for a while. The 6-foot-0, 195-pounder continues to receive a lot of interest from some of the top schools across the country.

"Recruiting has been escalating for me a bit recently as I've contacted schools about my tape," he said. "A lot of places really like it including Kentucky, Maryland and Michigan. At the moment, I'm still wide open to everyone and once late summer comes I'll probably start to narrow my list. I'm just looking for whatever school feels right."

Schools haven't committed to any one position yet for Martinek, but if he has his way he'd like a shot at tailback.

"I'm just looking for a school that will give me the opportunity to play running back," he said. "Most of the schools so far seem open to the idea and if it doesn't work out they'll look at me as a safety. I think I really want to be a running back because every time you get the ball you do everything you can to put it in the endzone. I like to have the ball in my hands when the game is on the line."

Other schools sending mail to the running back prospect include Penn State, Miami, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Florida and others.

Martinek earned first team all-state and West Jersey player of the year after rushing for 2,500 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior.

This spring Martinek plans to attend the Elite College Combine in May at Rutgers.