SOR's 5 Burning Questions Part III

Jul 30, 2010 | By: Random Blogger

As the end of July comes about, the Rutgers football program is gearing up for the 2010 season. There are some burning questions that arise when taking a look at the latest edition of the Scarlet Knights. StateOfRutgers.com has examined the Rutgers football program and has come up with five burning questions. In today’s installment, the third of the series, we take a look at our No. 3 inquiry heading into training camp:

Which running back will step-up and provide a change-of-pace at the running back position alongside redshirt junior Joe Martinek?

During the Greg Schiano era, the Rutgers football program has accrued a solid talent level at the running back position. With Rutgers producing highly regarded National Football League prospects including Brian Leonard and Ray Rice, there is a standard to be upheld at the position that has not been lived up to over the past couple seasons.

However, the comparison of the 2006 version of the Scarlet Knights rushing attack to the current version is seemingly an unfair one. Going into summer training camp, Rutgers returns fan favorite “Jersey" Joe Martinek, but behind him there is not much proven or reliable depth.

The debate amongst the Rutgers fan base has revolved around whether or not Martinek is a true every-down running back. While many question that fact, one thing that cannot be questioned is Martinek’s statistical production; evidenced by his 937 rushing yards on 200 carries and 9 rushing touchdowns in 2009. For those who aren’t good at math, that’s 4.7 yards per carry.

Since donning scarlet in 2007, Martinek has displayed a bruising running style, leading to him often starting the game off slow in the first half only to heat up in the second half as opposing defenses grow weary of the taking additional punishment.

While this punishing style has made Martinek a fan favorite, it has also led some Rutgers fans to wonder if big play opportunities were being missed early in games. Such speculation increased when Coach Schiano challenged Martinek in the spring to become more elusive in the open-field. The 6-foot, 220-pounder responded by breaking long runs throughout the spring and developing a larger repertoire of open-field maneuvers.

Besides Martinek, Rutgers returns a few upperclassmen at the running back position. Fifth year senior Kordell Young and redshirt junior Mason Robinson are both players that were highly regarded recruits out of high school. Both met early success in their Rutgers careers, only to succumb to injuries. While neither player has been able to fully reach their expected potential, each has displayed the determination to overcome their own personal obstacles and embrace the team concept often preached within the Rutgers football program.

Their work ethic and sacrifice has clearly earned the loyalty of head coach Greg Schiano as both players are back this year and will be given another opportunity to compete for playing time. It remains to be seen what kind of role either will play on the 2010 edition of the Scarlet Knights. Regardless of the outcome, each player in question brings seniority and leadership to the position as well as the rest of the team.

In addition to Martinek, Young, and Robinson, Rutgers also returns an upperclassman in redshirt junior Tyrone Putman. Putnam entered the program as a walk-on and has received multiple practice repetitions in the past, due to the injuries to both Young and Robinson. Will he receive the opportunity to perform on Saturdays in 2010? That remains to be seen.

Rutgers also returns talented sophomore De'Antwan Williams to the backfield. Williams was one of the most highly-regarded running backs to come out of the state of Virginia in the past ten-to-fifteen years. The 5-foot-8, 195-pounder arrived on the banks with many expecting him to immediately earn a starting role early. While Williams has shown flashes, reports from practice indicate that Williams has some improving to do in the mental aspects of his game, including making his reads and getting down the blocking scheme.

Rounding out the running back stable are incoming freshmen Jawan Jamison from the Bolles School (Fla.) as well as fellow Floridian, Casey Turner of Ed White High School (Fla.).

Both ascend to Rutgers from highly-respected programs where each enjoyed prolific careers. There are questions as to whether Jamison will be eligible to play for Rutgers during the 2010 season. If he makes it onto the 2010 roster, he will likely provide the slashing ability that has worked well in the past at Rutgers.

Turner has enjoyed a highly anticipated arrival to Rutgers where many expect the Florida Class 6A player of the Year to possibly, eventually grab the starting position from Joe Martinek. Barring a poor performance in summer training camp, Turner is expected to complement Martinek throughout the 2010 season.

The battle for playing time should be interesting for the Rutgers faithful since Young, Robinson, Williams, Turner and Jamison all have unique characteristics that could make each of them viable candidates for playing time in Rutgers’ zone rushing attack.

While there undeniably has been a significant drop-off in the running game since the departure of Ray Rice, it might just be time to re-evaluate those sentiments. Martinek’s 2009 season statistics back up his claims of being of productive workhorse in the Rutgers backfield. In 2010, apparently, he will have a handful of players - at various experience levels - to push him on the gridiron.

Also, when you add in the production that Rutgers has generated out of its “Wildcat” package with sophomore star Mohamed Sanu, it is easy to see why the running game might not be the biggest cause for concern going into the 2010 season.

Updated On: Jul 30, 2010 02:58 PM

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