5-Star CB DJ Pickett Commits to LSU over Oregon, Miami; No. 6 Recruit in 2025 Class

Five-star cornerback DJ Pickett committed to LSU on Wednesday.

"The deciding factor was him being happy," Pickett's father, Damien, said to Steve Wiltfong of On3. "Where he's happy on and off the field. Where he can grow as a young man.

"It was mostly football-based but also where he feels he can excel in the classroom and do the things in the classroom."

Pickett, who had Oregon and Miami as his two other finalists, is the No. 2 cornerback and No. 6 overall player in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2025 class.

247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins evaluated the Florida native this month and compared him to Dallas Cowboys corner Nahshon Wright.

"Has dominated rural Florida-based competition the past few years, making an impact as both a wide receiver and a deep safety," Ivins wrote. "Has what it takes to emerge as a true game-breaker on offense with his size and foot speed, but ability to generate turnovers with his advanced ball skills while also mirroring in reverse makes him an intriguing option in both man and off-coverage."

As a junior at Zephyrhills High School, Pickett had 52 passes for 1,033 yards and 15 touchdowns. On defense, he posted 31 tackles and one interception.

Two-way players are perhaps becoming a feature of college football again. Travis Hunter played wide receiver and defensive back for Colorado last year. Earlier this summer, Ohio State head coach told reporters safey Caleb Downs was attending some running back meetings.

Maybe Pickett could get some snaps at wideout when he arrives in Baton Rouge.

He joins a class that's fourth nationally in 247Sports' composite team rankings and is the third 5-star recruit from the group. Quarterback Bryce Underwood and running back Harlem Berry are the others.

The Tigers have 10 wins in each of Brian Kelly's two years as head coach. Fan expectations are only going to intensify moving forward, and Kelly is at least getting the talent that's necessary for LSU to contend for an SEC title.