Miami legacy, On300 EDGE Booker Pickett reflects on decision to sign with the Hurricanes

Booker Pickett could have ended up at 21 other Power Five football programs. Instead, the 2024 four-star EDGE rusher stayed in state to follow in his father’s footsteps. 

The On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 27 EDGE rusher nationally and No. 33 overall prospect in Florida in 2024, Pickett, signed with Miami on Dec. 20. The cycle’s No. 262 overall player initially verbally committed to the Hurricanes on Oct. 19. 

Pickett’s father, Booker Pickett Sr., played for Miami in the mid-1990s. During the younger Pickett’s recruitment, he considered Ohio State, Texas A&M, Texas, Southern California and UCF. But the Tampa (Fla.) Wharton product ultimately landed on the Hurricanes for more than being just a legacy recruit. 

“Mainly because of how they’re going to develop me and how they’re going to use me,” Pickett told On3 after Tuesday’s final Under Armour All-America Game practice. “I’m connected over there. All my family went there, so everything is just set up for my success.” 

The 6-foot-2, 285-pounder said Miami envisions him playing a hybrid linebacker/defensive end position. Pickett said he could play WILL, EDGE or JACK. 

“I can basically play any spot they want to put me in,” Pickett said. “I like being free. I like that.” 

Booker Pickett discusses Miami’s finish in the 2024 recruiting cycle

The Hurricanes’ 2024 recruiting class finished among the strongest of any college football program. It began by flipping Ohio State five-star defensive line commit Justin Scott on Nov. 29. Then, they also flipped Buckeyes four-star running back pledge Jordan Lyle — a top 150 player in the class. 

In addition to Lyle and Scott, they also flipped two other in-state prospects committed to Sunshine State schools: five-star defensive lineman Armondo Blount (Florida State) and top 80 four-star linebacker Adarius Hayes (Florida). 

Pickett approved the program’s efforts to bolster its recruiting class within the last month before signing day.

“We finished pretty well,” Pickett said. “The coaches did their thing. I did a little bit of recruiting. I’m feeling pretty good about our class.” 

Pickett said he played a role in flipping Blount back into Miami’s class after he decommitted from the Hurricanes in favor of Florida State on Oct. 22.

“His family went both ways,” said Pickett, discussing Blount’s recruitment. They wanted Florida State and Miami. At the end of the day, his heart was at Miami. That’s why he came back to us.” 

Pickett’s heart was also at Miami. It always has been. “The U” will officially welcome him to campus in May. Once he gets there, the Hurricanes can expect him to work to leave his own legacy. And he will start by building it from the ground up.

“I’m going to work hard getting into the weight room, getting muscles on me,” he said. “I want to enjoy the atmosphere of college.”