One of the many two way starters that thrives on both sides of the ball, Brayden Kelly Brayden Kelly 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Watchung Hills | 2025 State NJ is one of  Watchung Hills’ secret weapons. You really need to get a chance to watch Brayden’s film. Offensively, Brayden is an explosive target lining up out wide for a talented offensive unit. Brayden’s catch capabilities is what really separates him from the rest of the receivers in the division. There are few receivers in the division that can make the catches he has. A knack for coming down with the ball in traffic, Brayden has phenomenal hand-eye coordination and has the concentration to reel the ball in even with hands in his face.

Defensively, Brayden was just as impressive from the secondary. A force at all fronts, Brayden was able to pick the ball off 4 times last season and even forced 4 fumbles as well. Receivers have a tough time having any success facing off against Brayden, as he essentially plays like a receiver even when he’s lined up at corner. This is a name you need to know.

Heading into his third season as a starter and the backbone of the Warriors’ defense is cornerback Brayden Kelly Brayden Kelly 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Watchung Hills | 2025 State NJ . Kelly took on an expanded role this year on offense that left his defensive play seemingly unaffected. For the year Kelly slashed 33/487/5 as a receiver while making 46 stops (36 solo) on defense, along with 3 TFLs, 1 FR, 4 FF, 4 Ints, and one pick-six. At receiver we see Kelly look to manipulate his speed to gain an edge by creating space. When he is not split out wide, expect Kelly to be used to create either mismatches or unexpected ways by lining up at either tight end or running back. Kelly also exploits linebackers who are less athletic than he is when lined up in the slot, hitting double-moves such as the out-and-up to make big plays. Defensively Kelly seems to have had a nose for the ball last year, knocking many loose, intercepting several, and breaking up countless passes. Kelly does a superb job of playing the hands of his matched up receiver to break up those passes. He typically plays in a trail technique, allowing him to be in position to make a tackle; yet, having deceptively long reach, Kelly can extend and tip passes as well. A fighter, we see Kelly scrap with receivers along the perimeter to keep his run fit as a force player. Similarly, Kelly is an excellent solo tackler; however, I would encourage him to refurbish his tacking leverage at times to avoid any broken tackles to head north up the sideline.

For the second year in a row Watchung Hills opens the season in dominating fashion against Bayonne. A major player in their victory is the junior corner Kelly. Named as a 2nd Team All Conference player just a year ago, Kelly continues his strong play by making 1 tackle for loss and intercepting two passes – one of which was returned for a touchdown. Kelly picks up his stellar play last year by picking off two passes to open this season this year.