Joe Martinek may not be a name familiar to
Ohio high school football enthusiasts, but it is one people should start
getting familiar with. Likely to be rated one of the top players in New
Jersey in 2007, if not the top all-purpose back, Joe is only about 1,300
yards shy of breaking the New Jersey all-time rushing record of 6,720
yards. In 2005, he rushed for 2,508 yards and 28 TDs on his way to being
named AP 1st Team All-State. Joe is also a standout athlete during track
season, finishing 2nd in the high jump, 3rd in the javelin, 7th in the
triple jump and 24th in the long jump (on only one jump) at the 2005 Meet
of Champions. Keep in mind those results were being turned in by a
sophomore at the time. As he prepares for the 2006 track season and the
2007 football season to follow, Joe is also beginning to hear from several
top schools across the country, already garnering an offer from Rutgers.
He was gracious enough to take time out of his day to give the BP
Recruiting Team a little insight into his recruitment thus
far.
1) When you think of Ohio State football, what comes to
mind?
JM: Tradition, a winning tradition is the first
thing that comes to my mind.
2) What position would you prefer
to play in college and why?
JM: Running back has been my
position my whole life. I also love the defensive side of the ball but
putting the ball in my hands when we need a big play is what I love to
do.
3) This is your senior year...what goals have you set
personally and for your team?
JM: I would like to break
New Jersey's career state rushing record early in the season and not worry
about it the rest of the year. I also set goals for myself on doing better
then I did the year before. As for a team, our goal is to repeat as state
champs.
4) When your career is over, how would you like people
to remember Joe Martinek?
JM: A role model, someone who
can be looked up to.
5) If you were analyzing yourself on film,
what would you list as your strengths and what needs some work?
JM: My acceleration, cutting ability, vision and making
people miss, what could use a little work is when I am in the open field
my running style changes and I tend to become slower.
6) What's
are some of your favorite things to do away from football?
JM: I love to play video games, go golfing in the spring
and summer. Do track, lifting and visit my family.
Obviously his
accomplishments on the field speak for themselves. An excellent student as
well, look for great things from Joe Martinek this Fall and in the
future.