"PISCATAWAY — Joe Martinek isn't a running back for the Rutgers football team. He just plays one during the week.</p> <script language="javascript" type="text/javascript"> OAS_AD('Right3'); </script> "It's almost like I'm playing Saturdays," the freshman from Hopatcong said, hoping his work on Rutgers' scout team pays off when the Scarlet Knights travel to Syracuse for a noon kickoff Saturday at the Carrier Dome. "I gotta watch film. I gotta do exactly what the opposing running back does. I gotta carry it exactly the way he carries it, same steps, everything."</p> Though Martinek boasts credentials that would make Rutgers star tailback Ray Rice do a double take, New Jersey's all-time rushing leader knows his future might be on the other side of the ball at either cornerback or safety for the Scarlet Knights.</p> "Whatever's best for the team," the 6-foot, 210-pounder said, when asked for his preference. "Obviously the coaches know what's best for the team."</p> For now, Martinek is content using this season to redshirt while honing his skills for the Scarlet Knights' scout team during game weeks.</p> "I know for us to get better as a team, I have to do my job," said Martinek, who rushed for a state-record 7,589 yards and 80 touchdowns in his four-year career at Hopatcong. "I'm going to use this year to get better, stronger and — the biggest thing — to learn the system better because college football is a big step up from a little school in Hopatcong."</p> Link</p>
