Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2021 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence, in addition to local and state accolades.
Bergen Catholic (Oradell) senior defensive back
Jaeden Gould is the 2021 MaxPreps New Jersey High School Football Player of the Year.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder led the Crusaders to a 12-0 record, a national No. 4 ranking in the MaxPreps Top 25 and their 15th state title with a 28-7 win over St. John Bosco.
Gould locked up one side of the field while leading a defense that gave up 94 points all year while posting four shutouts. He had a team-best four interceptions, tying with teammate
Jayden Bellamy, to go along with 27 tackles and two pass deflections.
The highly-touted defensive back has 38 college offers, according to 247Sports, which ranks him the No. 2 senior recruit in the state and the No. 23 cornerback in the country. He's had visits to Penn State and Nebraska and appears to be leaning toward the Cornhuskers.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for
inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in
early January.
Bergen Catholic cornerback Jaeden Gould is the MaxPreps New Jersey Player of the Year for 2021.
Photo by Greg Payan
