Joe aka Brian Leonard Jr., embracing his new role.
Martinek hopes to get acclimated to FB position
Throughout his time at Hopatcong High, Joe Martinek was a fan of the Rutgers football team. His favorite player, he said, was Brian Leonard.
When he arrived at Rutgers a year after Leonard concluded his accomplished career, Martinek would see the former fullback in the Hale Center weight room working out during his NFL off-season.
“I watched him when I was in high school,’’ Martinek said, “and I've gotten the privilege to get to know him and work out with Brian the last few years. I’ve talked to Brian a lot. He’s definitely taught me a lot.’’
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano can only hope Leonard’s wisdom will rub off on Martinek as he transitions to the fullback position this summer.
“I think it’s very important to what we’re doing offensively, to what we’re getting back to doing offensively, that we have a guy that is athletic like Joe and once he gets the ball in his hands can make things happen,’’ said Schiano, who compared Martinek to Leonard during his Big East media day remarks on Tuesday. “We got a lot of mileage out of Brian Leonard when we moved him to that position from tailback and I hope that we can repeat history with Joe.’’
Martinek was switched to fullback from tailback last spring, but has yet to practice at his new position after injuries shelved him for the entire camp. Martinek was fully cleared to practice this summer, and he says the mental repetitions he gained last spring will help him adapt to his new role.
“I was in every meeting answering questions and watching film,’’ said the 6-0, 220-pound Martinek, who will get his first taste of his new position when preseason camp begins Friday. “I wasn’t just standing on the sideline — I was watching my position specific. It’s a new position. But it’s not too far from running back. I just have to block people now.’’
Since Leonard's final season in 2006, Rutgers has struggled to find consistent results from the fullback spot. While Jack Corcoran proved to be a three-year starter, the recently-signed 49ers fullback didn't produce much statistically.
full article: http://www.app.com/article/20110803...d-FB-position?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Sports
Martinek hopes to get acclimated to FB position
Throughout his time at Hopatcong High, Joe Martinek was a fan of the Rutgers football team. His favorite player, he said, was Brian Leonard.
When he arrived at Rutgers a year after Leonard concluded his accomplished career, Martinek would see the former fullback in the Hale Center weight room working out during his NFL off-season.
“I watched him when I was in high school,’’ Martinek said, “and I've gotten the privilege to get to know him and work out with Brian the last few years. I’ve talked to Brian a lot. He’s definitely taught me a lot.’’
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano can only hope Leonard’s wisdom will rub off on Martinek as he transitions to the fullback position this summer.
“I think it’s very important to what we’re doing offensively, to what we’re getting back to doing offensively, that we have a guy that is athletic like Joe and once he gets the ball in his hands can make things happen,’’ said Schiano, who compared Martinek to Leonard during his Big East media day remarks on Tuesday. “We got a lot of mileage out of Brian Leonard when we moved him to that position from tailback and I hope that we can repeat history with Joe.’’
Martinek was switched to fullback from tailback last spring, but has yet to practice at his new position after injuries shelved him for the entire camp. Martinek was fully cleared to practice this summer, and he says the mental repetitions he gained last spring will help him adapt to his new role.
“I was in every meeting answering questions and watching film,’’ said the 6-0, 220-pound Martinek, who will get his first taste of his new position when preseason camp begins Friday. “I wasn’t just standing on the sideline — I was watching my position specific. It’s a new position. But it’s not too far from running back. I just have to block people now.’’
Since Leonard's final season in 2006, Rutgers has struggled to find consistent results from the fullback spot. While Jack Corcoran proved to be a three-year starter, the recently-signed 49ers fullback didn't produce much statistically.
full article: http://www.app.com/article/20110803...d-FB-position?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Sports