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2025 5-star safety DJ Pickett visits Clemson

hunterby:Hunter Shelton•01/20/24•

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Florida-DJ-Pickett

Clemson did not make the top five for Zephyrhills (Fla.) five-star safety DJ Pickett in late December, but the Tigers are looking to assert themselves into the running for the elite prospect.

The 6-foot-3, 170-pounder is back in South Carolina for his second visit with the ACC program this weekend:

Pickett’s top five —  Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Michigan and Oregon — is by no means a finalized group. He made that point clear when speaking with On3’s Chad Simmons.

“This cut just means my decision is coming up. I am looking to commit before my senior season. It is likely to happen around June, July or August next year,” Pickett said.

“These five schools are high on my list, but I could still visit others not on it too. I am looking for that feeling on campus. I will be by myself, so each visit will be important to me when it comes time to decide.”

Over 15 schools have had Pickett on campus throughout his recruitment. He first visited Clemson last March. Tigers safeties coach Mickey Conn and receivers coach Tyler Grisham will look to keep Clemson in the mix, though the competition is steep.

“The main thing about this group of schools is how I feel comfortable with them,” Pickett told Simmons about his top five. “I feel I can talk to them, get developed by them and become a better person around the people at these schools.”

Pickett is the No. 7 overall prospect and top-ranked safety in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 1 player in Florida.

Clemson pursuing elite 2025 recruiting class

As of Jan. 20, Dabo Swinney and Co. have seven commitments in the 2025 cycle. The class checks in at No. 8 overall and No. 2 in the ACC, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Headlining the slew of pledges is Lynchburg (Va.) Liberty Christian four-star running back Gideon Davidson, the lone top-100 recruit in the mix. He’s also the No. 5 burner in the cycle.

“I considered academics,  culture on and off the field by the players and staff,” Davidson told On3. “Opportunity to win a national championship, developing a really good relationship with a running back coach who played at a high level, a school and football program really interested in preparing me well for life after football, use of running backs in their offensive scheme, had a real good student Christian ministry and if possible within six hours of home. Clemson had all of those factors that’s why I went ALL IN.”

Other top commits in the class include Lake City (S.C.) South Florence four-star defensive lineman Amare Adams, Lawrence (Mass.) Central Catholic four-star quarterback Blake Hebert and Davidson’s Liberty Christian teammate, four-star IOL Easton Ware.