Relationships, resources and family ties all factor in recruitment of Five-Star Plus+ CB DJ Pickett

The recruitment of Zephyrhills (Fla.) Five-Star Plus+ cornerback DJ Pickett remains hotly contested as he moves into his official visit schedule this summer.

Six programs are firmly in the mix for the 6-foot-4, 180-pounder, but three of those six currently reside at the top. LSU, Miami and Oregon continue to jockey for top position in the race for Pickett, while Georgia, Florida and Florida State are looking to hang around.

When speaking with On3’s Josh Newberg at the On3 Elite Series, an educational seminar discussing the new era of NIL and navigating life after football, Pickett cited comfortability as the thing that will ultimately lead him towards his college decision, which is planned for Oct. 5.

When considering a group of powerhouse schools like Pickett currently is, it’s easy to find positives upon taking each visit and interacting with top-notch coaching staffs. The upcoming official visits — LSU (May 31), UGA (June 7), Miami (June 14) and Oregon (June 21) — could provide some clarity, however.

Don’t sleep on Oregon

While it’s LSU and Miami that has built a majority of the buzz in Pickett’s recruitment this spring, the elite defensive back has been quick to note that the Ducks aren’t being talked about enough. He’s made the trek from Florida to Eugene multiple times and is quite the fan of what Dan Lanning continues to build.

“The people around the building are just good people. The resources that they have for me to like be successful on and off the field. My family loves it,” Pickett said.

While Eugene is 2,500 miles away from home, location is not of importance for Pickett, as he’s solely focused on finding the best situation for himself at the next level. After getting him on campus multiple times this spring, Oregon will have another crack at selling their vision later next month.

Corey Raymond has LSU in the thick of things

Not too long ago, Florida was considered one of the teams to beat for Pickett. That was in-part thanks to DBs coach Corey Raymond. After being let go by the Gators in the fall, Raymond returned to LSU in January.

That immediately helped the Tigers surge for the No. 6 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking. Brian Kelly’s program was already pushing for Pickett, but things turned up a notch upon the arrival of Raymond.

“Coach Raymond went to LSU — I always liked LSU, but it’s just other things to it. When Coach Raymond got there I was real excited,” Pickett said. “I grew up watching LSU and how their DBs played and he played a big factor in that. He just keeps it real with me.”

Family ties make Miami a contender

When it comes to the in-state trio, Miami has emerged as the school with the best chance of keeping Pickett in the Sunshine State, as of now. He has a cousin on the roster in Coral Gables, grew up cheering for the Hurricanes and also sees the potential for development under Mario Cristobal, CBs coach Chevis Jackson and Co.

“It’s Miami, it’s the home team. I grew up watching them as my favorite team,” Pickett said. “At the end of the day it’s really my decision, but Miami’s just another place that I feel like I can grow, get on the field early and just show my talents.”

Pickett is also planning to take an OV to Florida when the Gators take on Miami to open the season at the end of August. FSU will also likely receive an official during the season before his early October decision. Pickett says once he makes his decision, that will be it for his recruitment.