The Oklahoma Sooners have made a concerted effort to rebuild their defensive back group over the last two recruiting cycles. From the 2022 and 2023 classes, they’ve brought in 11 cornerbacks and safeties in an effort to infuse talent on the back end of the defense.
That won’t slow down in the 2024 or 2025 cycles as the game has become more aerial in nature. Looking to add to their talented secondary, Oklahoma offered 2025 defensive back D.J. Pickett out of Tampa, Fla.
Pickett, who plays both safety and cornerback for Zephyrhills High School, is simply a playmaker. He does a great job tracking the ball in the air and making a play at the catch point. In press-man coverage, he stays in phase with the wide receiver while keeping his eyes on the football.
He’s a good athlete at this stage of his high school career, displaying good lateral agility and the ability to elevate over opponents to win 50-50 catch situations. He’s a good run defender, displaying a willingness to come up from his safety spot to attack ball carriers around the line of scrimmage.
He’s a versatile player that could play either safety or cornerback for the Oklahoma Sooners.
With two years to go until the 2025 class signs their national letters of intent, Pickett has already picked up 30 Power Five offers. Along with Oklahoma, his offer sheet includes all of the heavy hitters. Over the next two years, D.J. Pickett’s recruitment will be one to watch.