Predicting NJ’s 2025-2026 Interceptions Leader

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1183271"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68844ddf0d305"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1183271' first='Deon' last='McKinnon'] returns as New Jersey's interceptions leader (9) and has all the tools to do it again. At 6'2”, 170, he's rangy, instinctual, and thrives when tracking the ball in the air. His wide receiver background gives him a clear edge at the catch point, and he consistently capitalizes on poor quarterback reads. With offers from Albany, Wofford, New Hampshire, Stonehill, and Maine, McKinnon is poised for another big year patrolling the back end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨[player_tooltip player_id='1183271' first='Deon' last='McKinnon'] | 6'2” 185lbs (FS/WR)<br>Class of 2026 | Bayonne HS (NJ)<br><br>A rangy, ballhawking safety with elite instincts and a fearless play style. McKinnon has a natural feel for reading QBs, breaking on routes, and making game-changing plays on the back end. He's long, athletic,… <a href="https://t.co/ftofeYqhwp">pic.twitter.com/ftofeYqhwp</a></p>&mdash; Tier1Recruiting (@WeGetYouOffers) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeGetYouOffers/status/1928135844579176779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["852585"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68844ddf0d374"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='852585' first='Joaquin' last='Phillips'] brings elite recovery speed and physical tools to the Don Bosco secondary. At 6'0”, 180 pounds, he's a disciplined cover man who stays in phase with receivers and closes space in a flash. His ability to roam and read in a talent-rich defense gives him plenty of chances to make plays. If his ball production takes another step this fall, Phillips could find himself at the top of the interception leaderboard in New Jersey.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19783376/671fa6d75c4caf2e6f444df7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68844ddf0d53b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1170233"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68844ddf0d590"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1170233' first='Josiah' last='Zayas'] brings elite anticipation and explosiveness to the defensive backfield. Now at Piscataway, the Iowa State commit has the athleticism, length, and instincts to dominate in coverage. He breaks on the ball with authority and consistently puts himself in a position to create turnovers, a trait that was evident in his seven-interception season. With a new stage and expanded role, Zayas has the tools and opportunity to make a real run at leading New Jersey in interceptions this season.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18126421/67b87b3e4f10d7c7c11f0cf0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68844ddf0d5ba"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1271284"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68844ddf0d605"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1271284' first='Frenchmon' last='Bethea'] has all the tools to take a major leap in his senior year. The Stony Brook commit is a smooth, rangy athlete who excels in coverage, thanks to his ability to break on the ball and make plays at the catch point. With five interceptions last season, he's already proven he can be a game-changer. If he sharpens his eye discipline and continues to grow as a ballhawk, Bethea has a real shot to lead New Jersey in interceptions this fall.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18257954/66f0492fb753789f5cf9c135' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68844ddf0d629"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284065"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68844ddf0d66f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1695177' first='Jordan' last='Thomas'] enters his senior year with something still to prove. Already committed to Ohio State and regarded as the top defensive back in New Jersey, Thomas has the complete package—fluid hips, elite athleticism, and the toughness to support in the run game. But this season, he's looking to make a statement as a true turnover machine. If he adds more takeaways to his résumé, Thomas could not only lead the state in interceptions but also cement his status as the top overall player in New Jersey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/fS97TRELZ7">pic.twitter.com/fS97TRELZ7</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1695177' first='Jordan' last='Thomas'] ✞²¹ (@jordanthomas_21) <a href="https://twitter.com/jordanthomas_21/status/1922392869605683317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->