Joe Martinek was reluctant to have a website at first, but likes the attention it has received.Joe Martinek was reluctant to have a website at first, but likes the attention it has received.The way it usually works for college athletes is they make their mark first and then have their own website. At least one fan of Rutgers running back Joe Martinek believes that's only a matter of time.
Martinek making his mark, that is.
"Jersey" Joe already has his own website .
It's the creation of Chris Palermo, a 1994 graduate of Hopatcong High School, which is where Martinek starred en route to becoming the career rushing leader in New Jersey high school history. Palermo also bills himself as a New Jersey "high school football enthusiast."
"I didn't create it," said Martinek, a redshirt freshman who has moved up to back-up tailback behind starter Kordell Young on the Knights' depth chart after rushing for a career-high 98 yards and two touchdowns at South Florida on Nov. 15. "(Palermo) e-mailed my dad one day. That's what he does, he builds websites. His mom was my brother's teacher at one point, so that's how we all kind of connected."
Martinek, who has already endeared himself to Rutgers fans by making the most of his limited opportunities so far -- 236 yards on 40 carries with four touchdowns -- and because of his blue collar approach. Martinek isn't the flashiest player, but makes things happen whether he is running the ball, catching it or playing on special teams.
The website has an updated bio, updated stats and lists Martinek's achievements, including where his 7,589 rushing yards rank on the national high school career rushing list.
"The final say is ours (as far as what goes on the website)," said Martinek. "He runs everything by us. He's good with that. My dad and I monitor it every day."
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano only learned this week that Martinek, who has yet to start a college game, already has his own website. He seemed more amused by it than anything.
"He has a website? Is that right?" said Schiano. "It's a new age."
Martinek said he admitted to being reluctant at first to having the website, but says he is pleased with it -- and with the attention it has received.
One thing you won't find on it: How fast the 6-0, 215-pounder really is. Martinek, a physical runner with quickness, has heard his entire life that he has "deceptive speed," which he admits bothers him. He has shown plenty of explosion in limited opportunities -- something that seems to continually surprise onlookers.
"I hear that all the time about my speed, how people say they are surprised how fast I am," said Martinek. "My last 40 time was a 4.4. I forget how long ago it was. But that was the last time I had it recorded."