All-State tailback Joe Martinek of Hopatcong, who has the state's scholastic career rushing record in his sights, now has another major task on his horizon.
Martinek has verbally committed to play football next year for Rutgers.
Also an outstanding linebacker, Martinek has been viewed by some college scouts as a defensive back. "I have no set position," Martinek said. "I just can't wait to get on the field at Rutgers and help the team win."
Martinek also considered West Virginia, Vanderbilt and Florida International.
"I wanted to be close to home, family and friends," he said. "The team is on the rise and you can't ask more from a coaching staff."
Martinek, who is 6-0 and 195 pounds, needs 1,167 yards rushing this fall to eclipse the state mark of 6,720 yards set in 2003 by Keyport's Kenny Cattouse.
Martinek rushed for 2,508 yards and 28 touchdowns last fall to lead Hopatcong to the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 1, Group 2 championship and an 11-1 record. Though he had a big game running the ball in the sectional final, his defensive stops on the final two plays of the game were what ensured his team's victory.
The senior is also one of the top all-around track athletes in the state. He earned Third Team All-State honors in the javelin last spring. He said he intends to also compete in track at Rutgers.
Coach Craig Schiano's final two-deep chart, released yesterday, offered some minor revelations:
Rutgers football lost another former player this week, when Bob Morton died in Texas on Tuesday of stomach cancer at the age of 54. The Prospect Park, Pa., native was a left tackle for the Scarlet Knights in 1972 and 1973, playing on an offensive line that helped All-East tailback J.J. Jennings collect more than 2,600 yards and scored 30 touchdowns over those two seasons.
Morton's oldest son, Bob, is an offensive lineman at Notre Dame.