Deon McKinnon
Deon McKinnon
About Deon
Expert Analysis
Brendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
If he was not one of the state’s leaders, he had to be the state’s leader in interceptions last fall. Back for his senior campaign is Deon McKinnon Deon McKinnon 6'0" | 165 lbs | DB Bayonne | 2026 State NJ , who nabbed a whopping 8 interceptions last fall. What makes McKinnon effective is that he does a good job reading the quarterback’s eyes from his safety position. Additionally, he has shown willingness and, frankly, the nastiness to lay a big it on would-be receivers as he dislodges the ball loose. McKinnon is also athletic enough to get over the top and close space when he is rubbed. I would, however, like to see McKinnon’s backpedal with lower pad level, have more urgency, and move more efficiently when doing so.
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Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Deon McKinnon Deon McKinnon 6'0" | 165 lbs | DB Bayonne | 2026 State NJ 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.
🚨 Deon McKinnon Deon McKinnon 6'0" | 165 lbs | DB Bayonne | 2026 State NJ | 6’2” 185lbs (FS/WR)
Class of 2026 | Bayonne HS (NJ)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,… pic.twitter.com/ftofeYqhwp
— Tier1Recruiting (@WeGetYouOffers) May 29, 2025
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Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
Off of the heels of Bayonne’s first winning season in half a decade, Deon McKinnon Deon McKinnon 6'0" | 165 lbs | DB Bayonne | 2026 State NJ was arguably their biggest breakout performer. Although he scored 4 touchdowns as a receiver, McKinnon sets honey traps in the secondary. As a result, he was amongst the state’s leaders in interceptions on the season with 8, including 3 games with at least 2. Look for McKinnon to attempt to replicate this success in his last dance this fall.
Original Ranking: 156
New Ranking: 140
Stock Increase: +16
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Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
53 tackles (41 solo), 8 interceptions
6-3 team record
66.05 Strength Index
47.03 Opponents’ Strength Index
#10 seed in North, Group V playoff bracket
Lost in second round of playoffs
Other stats: 27 receptions, 370 yards, 4 TD
Best game: 6 tackles (5 solo), 2 interceptions in 21-14 victory at Irvington
Worst game: 2 tackle (2 solo) in 6-25 defeat vs. Elizabeth
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Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
If Isaiah Ross Isaiah Ross 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Bayonne | 2026 NC is the Bees fire, Deon McKinnon Deon McKinnon 6'0" | 165 lbs | DB Bayonne | 2026 State NJ is their ice. McKinnon is emerging as a real solid safety for Bayonne. Playing single high center field, he possesses a quick and fluid back pedal that gives him appropriate depth quickly enough so he can see the entire field. He appears to read the quarterback’s eyes effectively and will drive on routes when recognizes them – their quickly enough to intercept the pass or make a play on the ball or to lay the boom on a target’s body. McKinnon also does a solid job filling the alley against the run. As a receiver McKinnon right now is mostly a body catcher; however, he does possess field awareness and works to get a foot down along the sideline. Playing safety he is the last line of defense and no defenders can scoot past him. The best way to ensure this is to work on shoulder tackling for McKinnon. McKinnon finished last year slashing 15/177/1 as a receiver and led the team in tackles with 48 (27 solo), 3 picks, 6 PBUs, and 2 FFs.
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Game Stats
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