Big-time defensive back prospect D.J. Pickett talks Buckeyes, Ohio State ties

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — Ohio State is in the midst of some major defensive back recruiting battles in the 2024 class, but there are also some big-time targets that the Buckeyes are working hard to impress to the 2025 class. One of the biggest names in that group is Zephyrhills (FL) star D.J. Pickett.

Pickett is related to former Ohio State star defensive tackle Ryan Pickett. The 6-foot-4, 185-pound prospect landed his offer from the Buckeyes nearly a year ago after a tremendous one-day camp performance.

“When I went there to camp it was just putting in work like any other day,” Pickett told BuckeyeHuddle.com on the Southern Swing tour. “Then when I got the offer, I was really excited. I was just waiting on it for a long time, because my Uncle played there and so it runs and the family. So I was excited.”

Ryan Pickett hasn’t pushed Ohio State too hard, though. He has made it clear that it’s all about where D.J. fits best and feels most comfortable.

“Last time we talked, it was just me and family, my cousin Booker (Pickett Jr. 2024 EDGE from Tampa Wharton), and he just told us to ‘make the right decision for you’. Just because I went there, doesn’t mean that you’ve got to go there.”

Pickett is getting the same type of advice from another family member in Booker Pickett Sr. who played at Miami (Fla.) in the mid-90’s.

The younger Pickett has his own interest in Ohio State and is hoping to return to Columbus soon.

“I don’t know when, but it will be sometime in the summer,” Pickett explained. “Really just wanting to get the feeling back when I get back there. I think I might go back and do another work session. Just getting some work in with the coaches.”

Hear more from one of the nation’s top class of 2025 prospects in our one-on-one interview from our Southern Swing.