Five-Star Plus+ CB DJ Pickett teases Florida after Gators land transfer CB Cormani McClain
Florida fans have had reason to celebrate on Wednesday.
The Gators picked up one of the top transfers in the current cycle with the addition of former five-star cornerback recruit Cormani McClain. McClain transferred from Colorado after one season in Boulder.
That move appeared to have caught the eye of one of the elite prospects in the 2025 recruiting class.
Zephyrhills (Fla.) Five-Star Plus+ cornerback DJ Pickett posted a photo in Gators gear to social media shortly after the news of McClain’s commitment broke.
Last week, Pickett set an official visit to Gainesville for August 31 as the Gators take on rival Miami.
“The people around the building are good people,” Pickett said of Florida. “Also, (secondary) coach (Will) Harris is a good coach. Why not give them a chance and make the most of all my opportunities?
“It’s a good atmosphere. I want to be part of an atmosphere like that and a team, like, they are on a mission to get back.”
DJ Pickett Recruit Profile
Pickett is the nation’s No. 6 overall prospect, No. 2 cornerback and top recruit from Florida in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranks Pickett No. 4 overall in the On300.
On3’s Scouting and Rankings team wrote this about him as a prospect:
“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 older for the cycle, with a May birthday. Will need to continue adding good mass to his leaner frame.”