In Corey Raymond's first recruiting cycle back at LSU, he made the biggest statement a cornerbacks coach can make by landing the Nation's top cornerback DJ Pickett. According to On3, DJ Pickett was the 6th ranked recruit in the class, the top cornerback in the class, and the top player out of Florida. Landing a player like DJ Pickett is exactly why LSU brought Corey Raymond back as he's the best person for the job of rebuilding DBU.
Signing Pickett was massive as LSU had to hold off Oregon, Miami, Florida, and Georgia among other schools that recruited Pickett. Now as DJ Pickett is one of the early enrollees in this class, he's getting to experience what he came to LSU for, getting coached by Corey Raymond. Pickett is the prototypical Corey Raymond cornerback at 6 foot 4 with long arms.
Corey Raymond’s rebuild of “DBU” is in full swing this offseason.
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) December 23, 2024
The Newcomers:
- DJ Pickett: No. 1 CB in America
- Aidan Anding: No. 1 CB in Louisiana
- Mansoor Delane: No. 2 CB in Portal
- Ja’Keem Jackson: No. 8 CB in Portal
Now, Pickett has arrived.
(🎥: @LSUfootball) pic.twitter.com/sRHB94AVQg
Getting Pickett on campus early is massive as he has the talent and tools to come in as a true freshman and play significant snaps for the LSU Football team. Pickett is getting to learn the defense while going through drills with the team.
Getting reps in already@DJPICKETT5 pic.twitter.com/NFr0QXHfL2
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) December 23, 2024
This offseason, LSU has gone All-In using the transfer portal and one part of their massive transfer haul is the additions of cornerbacks Ja'Keem Jackson and Mansoor Delane. The additions of the two experienced veterans paired with Ashton Stamps and PJ Woodland returning means LSU doesn't have to force Pickett into early playing time if he isn't ready game one against Clemson.
However, given how talented Pickett is, it wouldn't come as a surprise to anyone if he was able to grab a starting role right out of the gate. Considering that DJ Pickett will spend the entire offseason trying to guard receivers like Nic Anderson, Aaron Anderson, Barion Brown, Chris Hilton, and Kyle Parker among others, he may see the best receivers he'll see all season as he prepares in camp.