Priority Gators 2025 DB Target DJ Pickett Releases Top 13

One of the Florida Gators top targets and a top ten player in the nation for the 2025 class narrowed down his focus on Thursday evening, cutting his list of prospective schools from 37 to 13.

Zephyrhills (Fla.) High School defensive back DJ Pickett labeled Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, South Carolina, Texas and Texas A&M as the programs moving forward in consideration for his services.

Top 13 🙏🏾! pic.twitter.com/8GOSFMcD2z
— DJ (@DJPICKETT5) August 10, 2023

Pickett, a well-rounded defensive back with snaps at safety and cornerback, is a prized in-state prospect for Florida secondary coach Corey Raymond next cycle. While Pickett’s widely considered to occupy a spot at safety at the next, the Gators are pursuing him to fill an outside cornerback role in their defense.

Fitting the description of long, athletic prospects Raymond’s sought after since his arrival in Gainesville, the 6-foot-2, 170-pounder is confident in the potential development he’d receive if he elected to don orange and blue at the next level.

"I like how they use their guys. Like, [Raymond] told me he prepares his guys to play in the NFL, not to how their defense is," Pickett shared following an unofficial visit to campus in June. "I really like that because, at the end of the day, my goal is to get to the NFL.

"With my versatility, playing safety and corner, it's like, I don't have to talk to a different coach or anybody else. I can just talk to one coach and he can move me around the defense."

While several 2024 cornerbacks still remain on Florida’s board, the position will be an emphasis for the unit on the trail in 2025. Pickett sits as the top priority.

He’s visited UF on four occasions in 2023 — more than any other program — and five times total. He’s built a strong rapport with Billy Napier and Co. as a result, suggesting a firm standing in his recruitment.

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