Miami Hurricanes trending with 4-star EDGE Booker Pickett

Mario Cristobal and Miami made a statement on Saturday, as the Hurricanes ran rampant on the Texas A&M Aggies for a huge 48-33 win at Hard Rock Stadium.

The win not only gives Miami hope for a successful 2023 season, but it could also serve as a huge momentum swing on the recruiting trail. A bevy of elite prospects were in attendance to watch the Canes, including elite Tampa Wharton four-star EDGE Booker Pickett.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder named a top five of  Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State and South Carolina on Aug. 4. Pickett told On3’s Chad Simmons that the next, and perhaps final step in his recruitment will be taking visits to his finalists.

After an enticing showcase from the Hurricanes over the weekend, Pickett is now trending heavily to land in Coral Gables, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM). Predictions logged by industry recruiting insiders now have the Canes at a 91.1% chance to land Pickett’s pledge, while Ohio State is a distant No. 2 at 3.9%.

Pickett is the No. 216 overall prospect and No. 14 EDGE in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 30 player in Florida.

Pickett a legacy recruit for Miami and Ohio State

Pickett’s uncle is former Ohio State great, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett. He played 14 seasons in the NFL and was selected in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams. Booker’s dad, Booker Pickett Sr., is a former Hurricane.

Following in his father’s footsteps intrigues Pickett, as does playing under another NFL great and current Miami defensive ends coach Jason Taylor. The potential to develop as an EDGE in South Florida is obvious for Pickett to see.

“My dad played at Miami, so that is cool, but Coach Jason Taylor is a big part of my interest in the school,” Pickett said. “We are similar players, he looked a lot like me at one time and I really feel he could help develop me. Coach Taylor had great success in the NFL, so him being on that staff is big.”

Georgia and South Carolina appear to be on the outside looking in at the two in-state juggernauts and Ohio State, but Pickett isn’t feeling the pressure to make a decision. He’s not planning to wait until the Early Signing Period to announce his commitment, meaning the next few weeks will be crucial for his finalists to try and make a move for his pledge.

“I just trust God and I feel He will show me which school is the best,” Pickett said. “That is why I have taken my time with this decision. I want Him to show me what is best for me.

…Other than that feeling and letting God guide me, I am taking the relationships, where I fit into the defense and where they see me playing are other factors.”

Miami building on top-20 recruiting class

The Hurricanes currently have the No. 18 recruiting class in the nation, per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking. Cristobal and Co. are coming off a top-10 2023 class that ranked above Clemson and Florida State in the ACC.

Four top-100 prospects highlight the crop of 22 commits: Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna four-star wide receiver Joshisa Trader, Chicago Kenwood Academy four-star EDGE Marquis Lightfoot, Northport (Ala.) Tuscaloosa County four-star running back Kevin Riley and Chaminade-Madonna four-star safety Zaquan Patterson.

Pickett would be the third EDGE in the class, joining Lightfoot and Cincinnati Taft four-star Elias Rudolph. He would also be the 11th Sunshine State product to join the fold.