4-star EDGE Booker Pickett commits to Miami Hurricanes: 'It really does feel like home'

Tampa (Fla.) Wharton four-star EDGE Booker Pickett has announced his commitment to the Miami Hurricanes.

Pickett chose Miami over Florida State and Ohio State. Pickett’s uncle, Ryan Pickett, was a first-round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2001, but the young edge rusher followed in his father’s footsteps to Coral Gables.

Pickett said that his visit to Miami for its game against Texas A&M was what really pushed the Hurricanes over the finish line.

“Really it was just how the defense played,” Pickett told On3 about that game day visit. I liked the way they looked really well-coached, -developed. Really it was just seeing what defense I would look the best in. So that played a part in my decision.”

Though that visit played a major role in bringing Pickett to Miami, he did not fully make his decision until about a week ago.

“I was just thinking and I just felt like — laying down my options — I just felt like this was what was best for me and for my future and development,” Pickett said.

Taylor, Cristobal played big part in decision

Major reasons for choosing the Hurricanes started with the coaching staff — especially defensive line coach Jason Taylor and head coach Mario Cristobal. Pickett said that those two clearly care for their players, and that was a major ‘plus.’

Taylor played over a decade of professional football for the Miami Dolphins and was once NFL Defensive Player of the Year. That experience helped Pickett make his decision.

“Well, I know that he, in college, was my size. So he knows what it takes for me to be able to go get developed and go to the league,” Pickett said. “So I just know that under him, I know that I will be able to take the right step forward into my future.”

‘The U’ feels like ‘home’ to Pickett

Pickett said that being able to follow in his dad’s footsteps “means a lot” — and that this is an opportunity to make a name for himself and do things his father didn’t at Miami. Between that family connection and having grown up familiar with ‘The U’ — Pickett said that Coral Gables really feels like home.

“It really does feel like home, it feels like I’m comfortable around there,” Pickett said. “Everyone is nice to me. I just feel like for me in general, that place just fits me perfectly.”

Pickett said that the whole recruiting process has been a great experience, but that he is relieved that it is coming to a close — that he has somewhere to call home and somewhere to further his education.