One of the top players in the State of Oregon for the class of 2015 is Nick Janakes (6-0 200 Sr. RB/LB) of North Medford. He earned 1st team all SWC honors on both sides of the ball as a Junior, and is on his way to having a very similar season in 2014.
Janakes is currently one of the leading candidates for conference player of the year honors, helping the Black Tornado to a (4-0) record and a #3 overall state ranking. North is fresh off a (10-2) season where they won the conference title for the first time in a decade.
Nick totaled 1,467 all purpose yards (1161 rushing, 306 receiving) and 18 total TD’s in 2013, averaging 5.1 yards per rush. He has been dominant again this year, crushing last season’s totals. Thus far he has averaged 8.4 yards per carry, on 65 rushes for 546 yards and 8 TD’s.
North still has the bulk of their season in front of them with three of their final four contests against top ranked opponents in Grants Pass, Sheldon, and South Medford. Referencing the year so far Janakes says, “Our offense and defense look solid but we are still maturing as a team”. Adding, “Personally I would like to rush for 2000 yards and average 10-14 tackles per game, as I am working hard to improve and better myself.”
Nick is just a tough kid and has a no nonsense demeanor on the field. He is a team guy first and puts accolades aside for the sake of the group. He says, ” I watch a lot of film, and try to figure out any tells that the opposing team gives away”. He continued, “I critique myself on everything that I do, like my grandpa says the only one that can hold you back is yourself.”
The Black Tornado feature maybe their top team in school history after a brutal decade from 2004-2012. Nick’s freshman and sophomore season North went (2-18), but have followed that up with one of the most note able turnaround’s in recent memory.
They have gone (14-2) in 2013-14 with a conference title, and are a legit state title contender this season. Janakes will go down as one of the top two way threats in school history, while playing with the likes of D1 talent Tristen Holmes, 2013 SWC Player of the Year Troy Fowler, and Oregon elite WR Jared Evans.
North should handle Thurston this Friday, but will then have a very difficult month ahead. Nick will get an opportunity to cement himself among the region’s best with a solid October. We will keep you updated as Janakes continues his impressive career.
