The hits (or misses, as they have been) saved coming for Miami’s recruiting class when Zephyrhills (FL) 5-star DB D.J. Pickett turned the most recent elite participant to spurn Miami’s recruiting advances to as a substitute stick together with his dedication and signal with LSU.
Zephyrhills 5-star DB DJ Pickett sticks with LSU.
— StateOfTheU.com (@TheStateOfTheU) December 4, 2024
A 6’4” DB with tons of pace, athleticism, talent, and potential, Pickett is a participant that Miami had been chasing for years. His cousin Booker Pickett Jr. is a freshman edge rusher for the Canes, his uncle Booker Pickett Sr. was an edge rusher for Miami from 1994-96, his youthful cousin Canon is a high OL goal within the class of 2026, and his dad is a recognized Miami fan. Regardless of these (and different) robust connections to the Hurricanes, Pickett has elected to take his prodigious skills elsewhere.
For Miami, this continues the development of lacking on elite defensive backs, one thing that has plagued this program for years. You already know the names on this record nicely: Patrick Peterson (then Johnson). Tarvarus McFadden. Pat Surtain II. Tyson Campbell. The Wilson brothers, Quincy and Marco. Asante Samuel Jr. Earl Little Jr. And extra. And now, you’ll be able to add D.J. Pickett to that record.
Although Pickett tasks on protection as a substitute of offense (though, he’s Pasco County’s all-time main receiver as he performs each methods in HS), this practically matches the magnitude of Miami whiffing on famous person receiver Jeremiah Smith final yr. Not an incredible development to proceed, but right here we’re.
For Miami, the trail ahead continues so as to add championship caliber expertise to the roster. Sadly, that received’t embody Pickett.
Extra to come back on Miami recruiting via the Early Signing Interval and Nationwide Signing Day in February.
Go Canes