Tyler Jansey is the Aurora/Elgin football player of the year

His brother Michael, who is older by four years, set a great example. But Tyler Jansey put his own twist on a similar path at Batavia.

It has the senior linebacker going places, starting in January.

Following early graduation later this month, Jansey is headed to Wisconsin on a football scholarship. He will be at a Power Five school, just like Michael is at Northwestern.

A self-described “hustler” since he was a kid, Tyler believes in the process and gets after it.

Listen to Batavia coach Dennis Piron tell it.

“Tyler is like a comic book hero,” Piron said. “He’s tough, well-spoken and works as hard as anybody I’ve ever coached. During the playoffs, he played the role of terrifying linebacker and power running back.

“I guess it’s what I expect out of him — great guy to have on your side.”

Great guy, indeed. The 2022 Beacon-News/Courier-News Football Player of the Year led the Bulldogs on a star-crossed playoff run that ended with a Class 7A state runner-up finish.

The younger Jansey’s gaudy numbers include 128 tackles, with 104 solo and 17 for loss. He also had four sacks, two forced fumbles and 16 quarterback hurries.

Add to that the 6-foot-2, 224-pound Jansey’s work on offense, with most coming later in the season. He finished with 631 yards and eight touchdowns on 76 carries.

Off the field, numbers and money matters intrigue Jansey, who plans to major in business.

“I started by mowing lawns and running lemonade stands,” he said. “I did some research on my own and made my first investment in fifth grade. I took all the money I had in my savings and put it in silver.”

That doubled before he later sold it. He has also dabbled in the shoe business.

“You know how companies like Nike and Adidas release hyped-up shoes and they sell out instantly?” he said. “There are techniques you can use and have a sneaker bot help you get those shoes.

“When they sell out, people are willing to pay extra, retailing for $200 and selling for a lot more.”

Capitalizing on eBay, he was able to try his hand in the stock market.

“I stopped reselling shoes a year-and-a-half ago because I wanted to be focused on football,” he said.

On Oct. 2, Wisconsin fired coach Paul Chryst, who had recruited Jansey. The Badgers named Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell earlier this week to be Chryst’s successor.

“At the end of the day, I fell in love with Wisconsin and chose it for the opportunities and culture there,” Jansey said. “I’m sad to see (Chryst) go. He offered me, but I trust the Wisconsin decision-makers.

“Fickell is a well-decorated coach and has done a great job at Cincinnati. I think he can take Wisconsin to new level.”

Jansey didn’t get to play alongside his older brother, but younger brother Jacob, a sophomore, was up on varsity this season.

And bad news for DuKane Conference coaches? Youngest brother Nicholas and his twin sister, Samantha, are freshmen.

Starting football at a young age, Tyler said he never felt pressure to live up to Michael’s standard.

“I fell in love with the game in fourth grade and watching him,” Tyler said. “I knew it was possible but I also knew I still had to do it.

“I’m not Michael. I’m a different player completely.”

Tyler credits defensive coordinator Matt Holm, who also coaches the linebackers, along with dad Michael and mom Betsy.

“Hitting people was fun,” Tyler said, “I liked the aggressive, physical nature of the game and the brotherhood. I don’t think you have that bond you make in football in any other sport.

“Coach Holm had a massive impact on me as a linebacker and as a man.”

Holm’s lectures on life lessons and key values made a mark, according to Jansey, and in a good way.

In closing, could Tyler offer any financial advice?

“If you have any cash, keep it liquid,” Jansey said. “That’s what I’m doing, waiting to buy. Honestly, my true goals involve creating generational wealth.”

It adds up. It always has for Tyler.