By ANDREW GOODMAN

Herald Sports Writer

Joe Martinek didn't want to worry about choosing a college once school started. And now he won't have to.

The Hopatcong senior running back and linebacker verbally committed to Rutgers late Thursday. Other interested schools were Vanderbilt, Florida International and West Virginia.

Throughout the blurry picture that the recruiting process was, something eventually became clear.

"It made me realize what I wanted was already right in front of me," Martinek said.

Martinek said he was leaning toward Rutgers all along. But before concluding Rutgers was the best fit, Martinek thoroughly discussed his options with his family. He has some background knowledge on Rutgers — including its solid academic reputation — since his cousin went there.

Martinek spoke to Rutgers coach Greg Schiano a final time on Thursday night before making his decision. Rutgers cannot comment on players until they officially sign letters of intent in February.

Hopatcong coach Paul Reduzzi was thrilled Martinek came to this decision.

"I'm very happy for Joe and for the Rutgers program," he said.

Martinek doesn't have a set position for next year as of now. The only thing he said he wants is to get on the field as soon as possible.

Martinek visited two Rutgers' practices in the days before Hopatcong started practice. The way Schiano ran his practices — with a keen attention to detail — appealed to Martinek.

From the beginning, it was obvious Rutgers had a serious interest in Martinek.

Schiano, who's selective about who he recruits, and Rutgers offensive coordinator Craig Ver Steeg were most involved in Martinek's recruiting. They were in touch with the Martinek family, which Reduzzi respected.

"They were very upfront and honest with Joe," Reduzzi said.

Martinek, who's 6-foot and 195 pounds, also will have the opportunity to be on the Rutgers track and field team. He will take the same path as Rutgers defensive back Joe Porter, who plays football and is on the track and field team.

Another important aspect in Martinek's decision was the growth of the Rutgers football program. Rutgers played Arizona State in the Insight Bowl last season, which was its first bowl appearance since the 1978 Garden State Bowl.

Rutgers has made progress in getting the best New Jersey talent to stay home. In last year's recruiting class, six of the top 30 players in New Jersey committed to Rutgers, according to rivals.com. And four of the top 30 players in New Jersey's class of 2007 have already committed to the Rutgers, according to rivals.com.

As a result, Martinek said big things could be possible in is career.

"If every top kid in New Jersey went to Rutgers, it would be a national championship contender every year," he said.

Although Martinek may not play running back, he sees some similarities in his career and a current player in Rutgers' backfield — fullback Brian Leonard. Both weren't highly recruited coming from small schools. But Leonard has turned into an elite back in the Big East, and Rutgers is touting him as a Heisman Trophy Candidate.

Before he gets to Rutgers, Martinek has a big upcoming season. With 5,545 yards in his career, Martinek is only 1,175 yards short of the state record of 6,720 yards set by Keyport's Kenny Cattouse in 2003.

Martinek rushed for 2,508 yards last season and led Hopatcong to the North I, Group II state title. He was chosen first team All-State by The Associated Press.

Reduzzi said the recruiting process took nothing away from Martinek's focus with the Chiefs, which is to win another state title and possibly the Sussex County Interscholastic League.

And with the decision out of the way, that's all Martinek has to worry about for now.