By ANDREW GOODMAN

Herald Sports Writer

Last summer, Joe Martinek said he wanted to commit to a college before school started. So he gave a verbal commitment to Rutgers in August.

Looking back, the Hopatcong senior said he couldn't have been happier with the way things turned out, not having to worry about choosing a college.

"Things only got better after I committed," Martinek said. "Rutgers exceeded my expectations."

Martinek officially signed a letter of intent to play at Rutgers on Wednesday, which was national signing day.

Martinek finished his high school career as New Jersey's all-time leading rusher, with over 7,600 yards. He broke the record in October and finished his career with the 26th most yards in U.S. history. He was also named the New Jersey Gatorade Football Player of the Year.

All of those accomplishments are why Martinek was named to the first team by The Associated Press in his junior and senior years and became such a well-known player across the state.

"Joe is probably one of the more publicized players in the state of New Jersey," Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. "He is the Gatorade Player of the Year. Joe broke the all-time rushing records in the state and now you're going to see my genius — we're going to try him on defense. I think he's that kind of athlete."

Although Schiano said Martinek will be given a look as a defensive player, Martinek said a final decision will not be made until practice starts in the summer.

If Martinek plays running back, arguably this year's best high school offensive lineman in the country could be blocking for him one day. Anthony Davis of Piscataway announced at the U.S.

Army All-American game that he would be attending Rutgers over Ohio State. According to some recruiting services, this is the first time New Jersey's No. 1 player will attend Rutgers during Schiano's six-year tenure.

Martinek said he's excited Davis is going to Rutgers, and the feeling is apparently mutual.

"That was huge to get him," Martinek said. "And Coach Schiano told me Davis was a big fan of mine."

A few years ago, for Rutgers to get players of Martinek's caliber wouldn't have been likely. The Scarlet Knights were a Big East cellar dweller and needed all the players they could get.

If not for recent success, Martinek's decision would have been different.

"Four years ago, I don't think I would have even looked at Rutgers," he said.

Martinek will be joining a team that was one victory shy of winning its first-ever Big East Title. Still, Rutgers rebounded to defeat Kansas State, 37-10, in the Texas Bowl

The Big East finished 5-0 in bowl games as a conference, and Martinek is looking forward to competing in the league despite being criticized for a lack of quality teams.

"People are saying the Big East isn't that good," Martinek said. "But people are going to have to look out for the Big East."

Beside Martinek's football ability, Schiano said he's excited about adding a player with Martinek's enthusiasm.

"He can really do so many things and he's a great addition to the program and another guy who's passionate not only about football, but about athletics and competing," Schiano said. "He's a great competitor."