DJ Pickett is headed to the SEC. Baton Rouge, to be exact.
The five-star high school recruit and top athlete on Rivals250 announced his commitment to Louisiana State University Wednesday night.
The Tigers won in the state Miami and Oregonboth with considerable momentum at different points in Pickett’s recruitment, in what will be considered a surprise commitment by many.
“Coach (Corey) Raymond “We can rebuild that thing,” Pickett recently told Rivals.
LSU’s top-10 class now has its third five-star commitment as Pickett joins quarterback Bryce Underwood and running back Harlem Berry on Brian Kelly‘s Class of 2025.
Like Pickett, each is considered the top prospect in their respective state as well.
Pickett has long talked about the ability to make an early impact, plus the opportunity to play on both teams, as a major factor for a winning program. Add to that the need to help the team rather than want to, he says, and expectations will be sky-high the moment the five-star player steps foot on a college campus.
Zephyrhills (Fla.) High School coach Nick Carroll, who played and was around Damien Pickett in high school and college, has long known the uncommon athleticism his former teammate’s son will bring to the Power Four level.
“When I first saw him, I thought he was a lot taller than I thought he was,” Carroll said. “Watching him grow to where he is now — 6’4″, 180 lbs — has been special. He’s got so much length, once you get him in your hands — to have those measurements but also have hips and feet like you’re 5’7″ to 8’5” is something very special. It doesn’t come around very often.
“He gets in and out of his breaks and his drive, and he can run the 100 meters in 10.6 seconds… he has a lot of attributes that are considered elite. I’ve been a coach for 21 years and I’ve never had someone with as many skills as he has.”
Pickett isn’t a big user of social media and rarely agrees to interviews, but that doesn’t minimize the potential he brings at the next level.
Carroll says he remains the leader of his high school team despite being the most coveted recruit in ZHS history.
“He’s an introvert, a guy who keeps it close to his heart,” he said. “He competes at a high level. He makes the kids around him want to beat him, they’re constantly trying to get better to beat him. It creates a high level of competitiveness and culture. But he still jokes around and smiles, he’s still a kid.
“He’s not the enthusiastic type who’s going to get the locker room going, but his play will speak volumes through the words he doesn’t say.”
Raymond had long prioritized Pickett, beginning during the time he courted him in Florida before the veteran secondary coach accepted a job under Kelly in January.
The enthusiasm for the Tiger has rarely calmed down since then.
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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Rivals.comthe leader in college football and basketball recruiting coverage. Be the first to know and follow your teams by signing up here.
(tags to translate)Brian Kelly
