Redshirt RB in Rutgers' picture

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08:32 AM ET 08.24
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Joe Martinek isn't particularly big or overly fast and his quickness is probably just acceptable -- not exceptional. Yet almost every time the redshirt freshman tailback has the ball in his hands, something good seems to happen. As Rutgers broke preseason camp Friday, and with tailback hopefuls Kordell Young and Mason Robinson assigned lightened workloads because of leg fatigue, Martinek was again the tailback-du-jour. He's still fourth in a four-player competition to replace Ray Rice -- Jourdan Brooks, despite his pass blocking issues, remains just behind Young and Robinson -- but Martinek has come from the lower reaches of the depth chart (and from defense) to make an impression. That means he's getting a longer look and more reps with the opener against Fresno State a week from Monday -- and the tailback situation still unresolved.

Newark Star-Ledger

Greg Schiano, AP

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August 24, 2008 11:15 AM ET

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Face it RU fans. This is not good news. This is no way intended to criticize Martinek. But when a kid with these qualities as described in the story (something he can surely improve on and become a great Rutgers RB in the future) is the highlight in the backfield, it means this team is very, very one-dimensional.

The key to Rutgers' success this year is Kordell Young. This kid is amazing when healthy. If he's OK, RU will keep defenses honest and be a team in the Big East no one can overlook. If Young can't improve and fully recover from the injuries and they must depend on Teel and the WRs it's going to be a long season ending with Schiano's departure.

EastCoastKeith

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August 24, 2008 01:38 PM ET

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I agreee its all about Mr Young, Im Sure He Will Round Into Form Within The Next Few Weeks...

State_of_Rutgers

Hillsborough , NJ

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August 24, 2008 06:34 PM ET

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I don't understand why losers online call 18-22.. mr anything... they are 18-22! Call them by their name and stop being such pansies.

PS Season tickets 50 yard line 8 rows up! (and yes its probably more expensive than alot of schools, saying they are "donation" tickets)

GO RU!

Bordentown , NJ

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August 24, 2008 10:28 PM ET

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This is another boring story, man!

asdfgaeb

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August 28, 2008 04:06 PM ET

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LOL! Young will contribute to the season to be sure but to think he is the key? Let's see 5th year QB that threw for over 3M yards; 2 outstanding WR's that had 1,000 yds + seasons and you think Young is the key? if the passing game goes 1/2 as good as last year anyone of the 4 running backs is going to look like Ray Rice!
Sucess will be the D? If they are as quick and play smart as they did in 06, then watch out you will see a repeat of 11-2.