Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Worcester Telegram & Gazette - telegram.com - Division 5 Football: Narragansett's Tyler Jankauskas in a class by himself

Tyler Jankauskas has his future mapped out. The top student in his class, Jankauskas plans on studying linguistics, international relations or political science. After that, he hopes to give law school a shot.

And oh, by the way, the senior is also a captain of the Narragansett Regional football team, where he says there is a plan in place as well — to bring home a second consecutive Super Bowl championship.

Jankauskas is the kind of student-athlete who gives 100 percent all the time, whether it’s in the classroom or on the field. He has learned to balance academics, athletics and whatever time is left for a social life.

His growing list of accomplishments, extracurricular activities and community-service projects is too lengthy to mention. But here are a few examples: AP scholar, Narragansett Academic Excellence Award, Narragansett Leadership Academy, Boy Scouts, Massachusetts Boys State, plus top honors in English, world language, science, history and math. He is also a self-taught Esperantist.

You get the idea.

It is a résumé that would have any college admissions office clamoring for his services. But Jankauskas has narrowed his choices down to Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown and Tufts.

“Tyler represents what we want our student-athletes here at Narragansett to emulate,” coach John Beary said. “He’s been No. 1 in his class all four years he has been here. He has received numerous awards academically as well as being very active in several community service projects. He, along with teammate Darren Duguay, were selected to attend the New England Leadership Council sponsored by the MIAA last summer at Stonehill College, which is quite an honor.

“Tyler is more than just a football player. He is the complete package of what a student-athlete should be.”

Jankauskas has played at the varsity level for three years on the offensive line and at outside linebacker on defense. He has appeared in two Super Bowls, winning one last season. This year, the Warriors are undefeated and eying another Super Bowl trip next month.

Anchoring a solid offensive line that has opened many holes for the Warriors’ outstanding backfield tandem of Sean Young and Dan Eaton has been a key to Narragansett’s success. Offensive linemen often don’t get the credit they deserve, but they are clearly recognized, respected and appreciated at ’Gansett.

“The running backs always thank us for making holes for them to run through,” Jankauskas said. “Last year, running back Cody Savoy broke a couple of records here and was always thanking us and giving us credit. On this team, everyone takes satisfaction in a victory. It’s not just the person scoring the touchdowns.

“As a team, we set goals every week. So far, we’ve achieved all of them. Hopefully, it stays that way.”

Added Beary: “We know games are won and lost up front both offensively and defensively. We preach a team concept here. The linemen do their share, the running backs have to do their share, and the receivers get involved, so it’s a true team group effort.

“With Tyler, we know he is a very smart kid. As coaches, we rely on him a great deal in obtaining information about what the opponent is doing during a game.”

But academics take precedence in Jankauskas’ life. He has learned to balance a strict schedule of classes, afternoon football practice, Student Council meetings as senior class president, and whatever else is left before he heads home for homework and dinner.

“Things come natural for me, but I’ve always worked hard and tried to balance my schedule as best I can,” Jankauskas said. “My parents (Kate and Tom) have instilled a solid work ethic in me.”

Bartlett is making a push toward a postseason bid. The Indians (7-3) grabbed their fourth straight victory, beating South on Friday. Once again, the backfield duo of D.J. Kirby-Thomas and Rocco DiStefano were dominant, combining for 201 yards and five touchdowns. … David Prouty sent a strong message Friday by whipping St. Bernard’s to even its record at 5-5. Brandon Comeau had another exceptional game, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark as he rushed for 144 yards and three scores. … Murdock (2-7) will play a rare pre-Thanksgiving game against neighboring Gardner (9-0) on Friday at Watkins Field. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Blue Devils coach Rob Allard, who was one of the best running backs ever at Gardner.

Source: http://www.telegram.com

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