Recently signing with Ohio State, Jaylen McClain Jaylen McClain 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Seton Hall | 2024 State NJ was a special talent for Seton Hall Prep. The only DB on this list, Jaylen accumulated 126 tackles for the Pirates. One of the hardest hitting safeties in the state, few receivers or runners had success going up against him. As a receiver, you have to be weary of going across the middle. Jaylen would be waiting there ready to take the route runner out. And with an extreme range in coverage, Jaylen can reliably get close to the line to make a stop up short or he can open his hips up and B line it to the sideline to prevent the deep route. A true playmaker, get ready to see Jaylen shine on Saturdays.

McClain, a senior who I have enjoyed following and watching, left it all out on the field in what is likely his final prep game of his career. In the defeat to Delbarton, 38-23, McClain made an impressive 16 tackles, getting much of that work done on his own, with 12 solo stops.

As North Jersey’s most famous fictional character Tony Soprano once said, “revenge is like serving cold cuts.” That is exactly what Seton Hall doled out in their 35-28 road victory at St. Joe’s Montvale. Earlier in the year Joe’s got the best of the Pirates; however, McClain and company would not be denied the second go-round. In this one McClain was all over the place as he amassed 17 tackles. In a tight, one-possession game McClain also stole a possession from Joe’s as he recovered a key fumble.

Perhaps one of the most noteworthy defensive backs in the state and arguably one of the state’s top prospects, Jaylen McClain Jaylen McClain 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Seton Hall | 2024 State NJ plans on attending THE Ohio State University in the fall of 2024. A consensus top-5 prospect in the state, McClain held offers from nearly every major program in the country. With the versatility and athleticism to play either safety or corner, McClain will join New Jersey’s top 2022 prospect Davison Igbinosun in the Buckeye’s defensive backfield.

Jaylen McClain Jaylen McClain 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Seton Hall | 2024 State NJ is one of New Jersey’s finest defensive backs. Playing with a ton of moxie and what seems to be a chip on his shoulder, Jaylen is determined to be one of the best. An elite safety for Seton Hall Prep, Jaylen seems to always put himself in the right position to be successful. He has quick recognition and fluid hip movement, and is able to blow up the play before it can develop. Watch him as he darts up the field to meet the running back at the edge and deliver a punishing blow.

Jaylen has a rare combination of great size and sprinter speed. He is capable of chasing down some of  the best runners NJ has to offer.  Totaling 83 tackles on the season, an interception and a sack, Jaylen is continuing his momentum into 2023.

Jaylen McClain Jaylen McClain 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Seton Hall | 2024 State NJ can run with the best of them. This man has some air tight coverage, never giving the QB much of a window to throw into. Jaylen has some of the best speed that I saw out of all of the cornerbacks in New Jersey. He can get out of his back peddle very quickly, and sprint up to the line to stop the running back in his tracks. His speed was also on full display as he chased down some of the elite backs from behind. Make sure you pay attention to what Jaylen does in 2023.