LSU fans are hungry for a better defense in 2025. After another disappointing defensive campaign last season, Brian Kelly and his staff brought in a number of reinforcements to improve LSU's defensive unit.
Highly-coveted recruit DJ Pickett could play a significant role in re-vamping the Tiger defense. The true freshman stands at 6-foot-5, making him the tallest CB on record in the history of college football.
The hype is real, and it continues to build ahead of next Saturday's season-opener. Pickett's name is featured on On3's College Football Preseason True Freshman All-American Team.
NEW: On3 College Football Preseason True Freshman All-American Team🇺🇸
— On3 (@On3sports) August 19, 2025
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Pickett can shine in freshman season
LSU's secondary has held the program back in recent seasons. Pickett can help change that.
Hailing from Zephyrhills, FL, Pickett was the No. 11 overall player in the 2025 class, and was LSU's top-rated player in last year's signing class. Along with his size and great ball skills, Pickett has elite speed. He runs a 10.7-second 100-meter dash, and his well-rounded skill set can help re-shape the secondary in a much-needed bounce back year for the Tiger defense.
LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker is already loving what he's saying from Pickett, saying he's been "as good as advertised." His emergence as a top-tier talent has the potential to draw national attention this season.
Pickett's made a strong impression in Fall Camp, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him play significant time in the season-opener against Clemson on Aug. 30. The five-star freshman has racked up multiple interceptions in camp, which has Tiger fans eager to see him get playing time early in 2025.
With his massive length and elite athleticism, could the Tigers have the next Patrick Peterson or Derek Stingley Jr. on their hands? Tiger fans certainly hope so.