5 Preseason Names to Watch: 22′ Cornerbacks

Fall 2021 season is quickly approaching and these young men are practicing to prepare for their season opener. Let's go ahead and get into the top cornerbacks to keep an eye on this season. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Kenny Selby / <em>St. Augustine Preparatory School</em> / <em>5'11 175 </em></strong></span> Mr. Selby is from Vineland, NJ standing at 5'11 175. He is a three- year starter who currently holds one offer from Sacred Heart University. Selby is one of the top all around athletes at St. Augustine Preparatory School. There is a lot to like about Selby for the collegiate level, as he looks he can be quality starter quickly. He has impressive ball skills as well as his level of physicality. Selby does a great job eliminating the opponents in off and man coverage displaying his quick feet and explosiveness. He does a great job recognizing routes and uses his closing speed to stay with receivers. He has a good feel for the game and advanced technique. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Makhi Thompson /<em> Cherry Hill West High School / 5'10 180 </em></strong></span> Makhi Thompson is from Cherry Hill, NJ standing at 5'10 180. He is a three- year starter who currently doesn't hold any offers. Thompson is the most underrated cornerback in South Jersey recording 8 interceptions last season. This kid has no let down. His ability to turn and run is very impressive. He can easily stick his foot in the ground and drive on the ball at any moment. He can play press or off man coverage and his ball skills are off the charts. Thompson has a great understanding of leverage and where his help is but it doesn't matter. Thompson gets it done with pure raw ability. &nbsp; <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Isaiah Barnes /<em> Nottingham High School / 5'10 175</em></span></strong> Isaiah Barnes is from Hamilton, NJ standing at 5'10 175. He is a three- year starter who does not have offers at the moment. Barnes is the fastest player on the field clocking in at 4.4. He has excellent footwork, balance and athleticism. Barnes plays with good technique and is willing to tackle anybody that runs his way. Also, has excellent balls skills displaying soft hands. The most impressive trait on Barnes is his ability to never take a play off. He played well in the shortened 2020 season. He consistently plays until the whistle is blown allowing him to be around the ball at all times. Barnes has quality size and has shown the ability to break up a lot of passes. Barnes can have his best season yet once his turns his pass breakups into interceptions. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Jayshawn Acevedo / Henry Snyder High School / 5'8 160</strong></span> Jayshawn Acevedo is from Jersey City, NJ standing at 5'8 160. He is a two- year starter who currently holds an offer from Farleigh Dickinson University. Acevedo has improved over the years to have a break out season. Despite his size, there is no doubt about his toughness. He is a physical defender with great tackling ability and hitting ability. He does a great job getting off blocks and locating the ball carrier. Acevedo has the agility and enough twitch to stay in phase with the best receivers allowing him to limit separation. Acevedo is a potential nickelback candidate at the next level due to lack of size but he has plenty of upside to develop into his frame. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Antwain Rivera / Vineland High School / 6'0 190</span></strong> Antwain Rivera is from Vineland, NJ standing at 6'0 190. He is a two- year starter who does not have any offers at the moment. Rivera has quality size for the next level. He is a big corner who has great instincts and has shown tremendous ability to play the ball. Rivera has great eye discipline allowing him to read double moves by the receiver. He is very patient in his back and plays with good pad level. Rivera is a tough competitor who makes his presence felt any chance he can. I wouldn't be surprised if Rivera moves to Safety at the next level. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Keep an eye on these young talented athletes as they are getting ready to put on the pads.</span> <em>Be sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNJ regarding news and information for New Jersey High School Football</em> &nbsp; &nbsp;