New Jersey's 2024-25 Interception Leader Prediction

Emilio Mendez from Dover is a prime candidate to lead New Jersey in interceptions this year. At 6 feet and 170 pounds, this safety can do it all. Last season, he amassed 7 interceptions in just 7 games, averaging an impressive 1 interception per game. His model of consistency and coverage secured him a spot among the top three in interceptions statewide.   Emilio's exceptional ability to read plays on the back end makes him great. His standout trait? Unmatched instincts that position him perfectly to make plays on the football. This skill set is further enhanced by his experience as a wide receiver. Catching the football comes effortlessly to him, whether covering one-on-one or patrolling over the top in a cover-two look.   Emilio Mendez will undoubtedly be one of my top candidates to lead New Jersey in interceptions for the 2024-2025 season. His uncanny instincts and smooth ball skills make him a formidable presence on the field.      The next player to watch is [player_tooltip player_id='973797' first='Gyan' last='King'] from Cedar Creek. At 5'10” and 155 pounds, Gyan is a versatile athlete who excels as a cornerback and wide receiver. His primary position is outside cornerback, and his standout trait is his remarkable make-up speed. This speed allows him to recover quickly and get back into plays. His great hips and body control keep him in most plays, whether he's in zone or man coverage. He can cover both in the slot and on the outside.   King's athleticism and physical gifts enable him to play the ball exceptionally well in the air. Additionally, he is a solid wide receiver, which complements his skills as a cornerback. He tracks the ball effectively and has a reliable set of hands, whether he's defending a pass or catching one.   [player_tooltip player_id='973797' first='Gyan' last='King'] is poised not only to potentially lead New Jersey in interceptions but also to see his recruitment stock rise significantly. Currently holding an offer from Temple, his prospects are expected to increase, especially if he tops the interception charts this season. His dynamic playmaking ability and athletic prowess make him a formidable candidate for leading the state in interceptions.      [player_tooltip player_id='311366' first='Steve' last='Klein'] from Westwood Regional. At 6'2” and 190 pounds, Steve is an athlete who plays both running back and linebacker/strong safety. His build is exactly what modern defenses seek in linebackers and safeties. He's big enough to play linebacker in the box, yet moves like a safety on the back end. Steve consistently finds himself in the right place at the right time, often benefiting from tipped passes and interceptions. Last season, according to MaxPreps, he ended with six interceptions.   Steve's skill set suggests he could push himself even further. By expanding his ability to cover in the slot and over the top, he could attract more attention from college scouts. His versatility to attack downhill against offensive linemen and quickly cover slot receivers or deep routes makes him a unique asset. This adaptability could significantly boost his interception totals and overall defensive impact.   [player_tooltip player_id='311366' first='Steve' last='Klein'] is a player to watch for potentially leading New Jersey in interceptions next year. His current offer from Syracuse is just the beginning, and as he continues to develop and showcase his expanded skill set, more offers are likely to come his way as the season progresses.       [player_tooltip player_id='1556633' first='Garrett' last='Leyman'] from Woodstown. Standing at 6'5” and 190 pounds, Garrett is a two-sport athlete who excels in both football and lacrosse. Last season, according to MaxPreps, Garrett finished with five interceptions. What's intriguing about Garrett is his ability to make plays at multiple positions—outside corner, in the end zone, and deep safety. His experience as a standout wide receiver gives him exceptional hands and the ability to track the ball effectively.   Watching his highlights from last season, it's evident he benefited from several fortuitous bounces. With another year of experience, improved ability to decipher coverages, and heightened instincts, Garrett is poised to increase his interception totals. The level of competition he faces also suggests the potential for even more interceptions.   [player_tooltip player_id='1556633' first='Garrett' last='Leyman'] is one to watch as a contender for New Jersey's interceptions leader in the upcoming season.        Last, we have [player_tooltip player_id='475349' first='Naiim' last='Parrish'] from Bergen Catholic. Naiim stands at 5'11” and 185 pounds and might be the best cover corner in the 2025 class, perhaps even all of New Jersey. His coverage skills, both man-to-man and in-zone, are exceptional. What sets him apart is his ability to read and react quickly. While his make-up speed isn't outstanding, it's good enough for him to make plays on the football. He possesses excellent hips and can track the ball well.   Last season, Naiim finished with five interceptions. He is a dark horse candidate to lead New Jersey in interceptions, primarily because Bergen Catholic will rely heavily on him in their passing game. With their new running game and standout Ohio State commit [player_tooltip player_id='525111' first='Quincy' last='Porter'], teams will approach Bergen Catholic differently this year. Naiim, a true ball hawk at outside corner, will have ample opportunities to make plays on the football.   Currently committed to the University of Minnesota, [player_tooltip player_id='475349' first='Naiim' last='Parrish'] is one to watch for leading New Jersey in interceptions this upcoming season.