Martinek impresses at Elite

Hopatcong, N.J. running back Joe Martinek headed to Piscataway on May 1st for the Elite College Combine. The 6-foot-0, 192-pounder felt he had a pretty good day against some of the East Coast's top recruits.

"I think I did pretty well," he said. "I didn't start out too well, but once I got into it and felt the energy from all the coaches there I impressed. I know I definitely impressed in the 40-yard dash running 4.4-seconds twice. In the one-on-one drills I felt I really showed the coaches that I have the ability to come out of the backfield and catch the ball and I have good route running and cutting ability."

Martinek still holds just one scholarship offer from Rutgers at this time, but other schools are showing interest.

"Coaches have been coming into school from Penn State, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Boston College and more," he said. "My coach has told me that everything from the coaches has been really positive and hopefully a few more offers come my way in the next few weeks.

"At the moment, I'm still wide open and just enjoying the experience. Once the end of May comes I'll really have an idea of who is interested in me and then I can start looking into camps. For whoever else offers, I still have to find out who will give me the opportunity to do football and track in college. I really want to do both and I know at least Rutgers says there is a possibility."

The Garden State running back earned first team all-state, West Jersey player of the year and academic all-league honors after rushing for 2,500yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior.