Michigan has had success in recent years recruiting defensive backs and molding them into star players. The Wolverines haven’t had the home run signing, save for Dax Hill back in 2019, but Michigan has recruited the right players that fit its system.
But what if Michigan could not only get a splashy commitment, but also a perfect fit? Look no further than 2025 five-star safety DJ Pickett. On Friday, Pickett announced his top five schools: LSU, Oregon, Georgia, Miami, and Michigan.
Pickett hails from Tampa (FL) Zephyrhills and has elite length standing at 6-foot-2, 170-pounds. According to the Composite rankings, Pickett is the No. 7 ranked recruit in the ’25 cycle and the No. 3 defensive back.
Pickett has visited Florida the most — seven times — but didn’t name the Gators in his top group. He’s been in Ann Arbor four times and Pickett is very high on Michigan — especially after Michigan reportedly retained Steve Clinkscale. In an interview with On3, Pickett had a very short but strong response about Michigan. “Michigan just feels like home.”
Michigan currently leads in the recruitment of Pickett out of the five schools in his top group, according to On3. The Wolverines have a 12.6% chance to land the coveted safety. There are no Crystal Ball predictions in on 247Sports.
Here is an On3 scouting report on Pickett:
Dynamic, explosive two-way playmaker who looks like one of the top defensive back prospects in the 2025 cycle. A big-time two-way player as a receiver and defensive back. Has a thin, lean frame at over 6-foot-2 and around 170 pounds. 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. Has elite range as a deep safety. Reads and jumps routes to make plays on the ball. 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 sophomore season with 43 catches for 886 yards and 12 touchdowns in addition to picking off four passes. Ranked as a safety early on, but could be a legitimate high-end cornerback prospect or even play some offense in college. A bit for the cycle, with a May birthday. Will need to continue adding good mass to his leaner frame.
