Five-star CB DJ Pickett picks LSU over Oregon and Miami

Zephyrhills (Fla.) High five-star plus cornerback DJ Pickett announced his commitment to head coach Brian Kelly and LSU on Wednesday night.

Pickett chose the Tigers over his other finalists in Oregon and Miami.

“The deciding factor was him being happy,” Pickett’s father Damien said. “Where he’s happy on and off the field. Where he can grow as a young man.

“It was mostly football based but also where he feels he can excel in the classroom and do the things in the classroom.”

Pickett adds to terrific LSU class

The 6-foot-4, 180-pound Pickett becomes commit No. 17 for the Tigers in the 2025 recruiting class. The On3 Industry ranks Pickett as the nation’s No. 2 cornerback and No. 6 prospect overall. On3 slots him at No. 1 and No. 3 respectively.

Prior to Pickett’s pledge, LSU’s class was ranked No. 5 nationally by On3. He joins the nation’s No. 1 quarterback prospect Bryce Underwood and top-ranked running back Harlem Berry as the jewels.

Pickett took several visits to Baton Rouge including a game last fall, a trip in the spring  and his official visit the weekend of May 31.

Corey Raymond led the charge in recruiting Pickett.

“Coach Raymond is good guy, and the environment of the school I like,” he said. “I really like Baton Rouge and what they can do for me on an off the field. Their fans care about their players, and it’s somewhere you can build you brand. 

A lot of people care for LSU, and it’s DBU, too.”

Stats and analysis

As a junior Pickett turned 52 receptions into 1,033 yards and 15 touchdowns. He had 31 tackles and an interception. The year prior Pickett hauled in 43 passes for 886 yards and 12 touchdowns with 39 tackles, four interceptions and three more passes defended. He also recovered a fumble.

On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power raves about Pickett’s potential beginning with his athleticism but loves the style of play on Friday nights.

“We also feel he’s the most physical top corner in the 2025 cycle due to his striking ability and the edge he played with.”

Pickett is the On3 Industry’s No. 1 ranked prospect in the Sunshine State.