
DJPickett
Film
Reminds Us Of

DJ Pickett's unique combination of stature, length, athleticism and ball skills as a tall corner reminds us of Sauce Gardner. Each played both ways at the high school level as a wide receiver and defensive back. Pickett is a more established prospect at the same stage, while Gardner was more of a late bloomer.
Team Predictions
Scouting Report
Dynamic, explosive two-way playmaker who looks like one of the top defensive back prospects in the 2025 cycle, with the highest upside coming as a cornerback. A big-time two-way player as a receiver and defensive back. Tall and long with a thinner build, measuring at 6-foot-4, 179 pounds at the On3 Elite Series prior to his senior season. Has elite length for the position with 33 ⅝-inch arms. An extremely twitchy athlete who also excels in track and field. Turned in sensational marks in the 100 meters (10.62 seconds) and 200 meters (21.69 seconds) as a sophomore. A natural playmaker on Friday nights. Pairs his plus athleticism and easy movement skills with high level instincts and ball skills. Worked as a safety as an underclassman before playing corner as a senior. High-level ball production with at least four interceptions as a senior. Has rare fluidity in his backpedal and hips for such a tall corner. Reads and jumps routes to make plays on the ball. Showed the ability to fly downhill and deliver big hits on ball carriers while playing as a safety in his junior year. Doubles as a game-breaking receiver with the ability to take the top off of defenses and come down with acrobatic contested catches. Finished his junior season with 1,033 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns and one interception. Was ranked as a safety early on, but projects as a legitimate high-end cornerback prospect and is talented enough to be considered a blue-chip wide receiver. Will need to gain experience if he converts to corner, primarily having been a safety at the high school level. A bit older for the cycle, with a May birthday. Will need to continue adding good mass to his leaner frame once in college. Has significant upside as a potential early contributor and high NFL Draft pick.
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Personal Life
DJ Pickett and his family are bonded by wearing the same No. 5 jersey at Zephyrhills. His brother wore it when he was at the school and Pickett loves to carry on the tradition as one of the nation's top recruits in the Class of 2025. “I looked up to my brother when he played here," Pickett told News Channel 8. "That’s why I’m wearing No. 5. Because of him. When I was younger, I wanted to be like him.” Now players want to be like Pickett, who had 43 catches for 886 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022. Pickett's mother, Tammie, told The Wolverine that the family works hard to keep Pickett grounded and focused on what's important for the future. “We’re extremely blessed, but it is a lot," she said. “It can be overwhelming at times. DJ is still a kid. He still has schoolwork and chores around the house…. You see the good things about it like ‘oh my God, everyone wants your kid.’ But remember, we’re still parents that have to get them across the stage for high school, and we have to work. It’s hard. But he's an exceptional young man.”
Contacts
- EmailPrivate
- PhonePrivate
- Instagram@damienpickettjr
- X@DJPICKETT5
- TikTok@djpickett1







