Joe Martinek is trying to build on a freshman campaign in which he averaged a team-best 5.3 yards-per-carry this spring. (HNT file photo)

PISCATAWAY — Joe Martinek took a handoff and ran into the line of scrimmage, gaining no more than a yard while being driven to the turf by a trio of defensive linemen.

For Martinek, who like the rest of the Rutgers football team spent the first three spring practices unable to administer or receive any contact, it felt like football again.

“”I love just throwing my body out there, and just doing everything I can to get that extra yard,” the 6-foot, 215-pound bruising tailback said following Thursday’s two-hour, rain-soaked practice.

Three months after his breakthrough campaign, Martinek feels like a much-improved running back, one who’s ready to carry a bigger load if that’s what is asked of him next season.

“”Having gotten that game experience, now I’m starting to be an upperclassman,” said Martinek, a rising sophomore in eligibility but a junior in class. “”Now I feel like there’s younger kids looking up to me to lead them.”

Martinek has spent the first four practices working with the first team offense, trying to improve on a rookie campaign in which he rushed for 404 yards and four touchdowns in only 76 carries.

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano, who earlier this spring said Martinek merits a longer look after leading all running backs with a 5.3 yards-per-carry average in 2008, likes what he sees from the Hopatcong High School product so far.

“”He looks good,” Schiano said. “”I’m anxious to see him as we get into scrimmages.”

Martinek, who’s competing with Jourdan Brooks for first-team reps, said footwork fundamentals have been his greatest emphasis this spring.

“”Just doing it so many times that it becomes instinct,” said Martinek, who admitedly has come a long way since last spring, when he was converting from safety back to his more natural tailback position.

“”My first couple of months here I was really clueless. The game was so fast, I didn’t know what was going on. A typical freshman comes in thinking they’re going to
play right away, but it’s a total change. Now I feel like I’m more comfortable with everything that’s going on.”