Will Five-Star Freshman Cornerback DJ Pickett Start for LSU Football on Day One?
The LSU Tigers have consistently fielded one of the most talented and competitive football programs in the country, and their recruiting efforts have been a key factor in maintaining that level of success. In 2024, LSU’s class is highlighted by a number of exciting prospects, none more intriguing than DJ Pickett, a five-star cornerback who has generated significant buzz since committing to the program. Pickett’s arrival in Baton Rouge has raised questions about whether he will be able to earn a starting role right away, especially given the high expectations that come with his elite status as a recruit. This article will examine Pickett’s talent, the competition he will face at LSU, and what factors will influence whether or not he starts for the Tigers on day one.
1. DJ Pickett: The Recruitment and Expectations
DJ Pickett is a product of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he became one of the top cornerback prospects in the country. Pickett was a highly sought-after recruit, holding offers from almost every major college program in the nation. He was ranked as a five-star prospect by many recruiting services, including ESPN, which gave him an overall rating of #1 cornerback in the 2024 recruiting class.
What makes Pickett stand out is his combination of size, speed, and agility. Standing at 6-foot-1, he has the length and physicality to compete against both smaller, quicker receivers and larger, more physical ones. His 4.4-second 40-yard dash time shows that he has the speed to match the quickest wide receivers, and his ability to change direction on a dime allows him to stay in step with receivers on deep routes and quick breaks. Additionally, Pickett’s football IQ is exceptional. He has a natural feel for the game, particularly when it comes to reading the quarterback’s eyes and reacting to routes. These skills were on full display during his high school career, where he was a key part of one of the most dominant high school defenses in the country.
When Pickett chose LSU, it was seen as a major victory for the Tigers and head coach Brian Kelly, who were looking to continue their dominance in the defensive backfield. LSU has a strong tradition of developing elite cornerbacks, and Pickett’s addition to the team only enhanced the excitement surrounding the program. As a five-star recruit, expectations for Pickett are sky-high, and many believe he has the potential to be an immediate impact player for the Tigers.
2. LSU’s Cornerback Depth and Current Competition
In order to understand the likelihood of DJ Pickett starting as a freshman, it is important to analyze the current state of LSU’s cornerback depth chart. The Tigers have a rich tradition of producing elite defensive backs, and 2024 is no different, with a number of talented veterans and returnees in the mix. LSU’s cornerback group heading into the 2024 season is filled with experienced players, many of whom have already seen significant playing time.
Key Returnees
- Jarrick Bernard-Converse – A graduate transfer from Oklahoma State, Bernard-Converse is expected to be a cornerstone of LSU’s secondary. A seasoned veteran, he has started multiple seasons at the Power Five level and is known for his physicality and coverage skills. His leadership and experience are invaluable to a team with a lot of young talent in the secondary.
- Makai Garner – A returning starter who played significant snaps in 2023, Garner is a powerful cornerback known for his ability to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and make physical tackles. He provides a solid and dependable presence on the outside and is expected to be a key contributor in 2024.
- Sage Ryan – A versatile defensive back who has the ability to play cornerback and safety, Ryan’s skill set is a valuable asset to the LSU secondary. Though he has mostly played in a hybrid role, he has shown the ability to cover a variety of wide receivers and is often used in critical matchups.
The Need for Youth and Playmaking Ability
Despite the solid veteran presence in the LSU secondary, there is an ongoing need for younger, dynamic players who can make an impact immediately. This is where DJ Pickett’s arrival is so significant. As a five-star recruit, Pickett’s talent and potential are undeniable. LSU’s secondary has been prone to inconsistency in recent seasons, and Pickett’s ability to make plays could help solidify the cornerback position and elevate the entire defense.
The Tigers are in search of playmakers who can make an immediate impact, particularly with the fast pace of SEC offenses. In a league filled with explosive wide receivers, LSU’s coaching staff is always looking for cornerbacks who can lock down top-tier receivers and create turnovers. With his combination of size, speed, and ball skills, Pickett has the potential to step in and contribute right away.
3. The Transition from High School to College Football
While DJ Pickett’s talent is undeniable, transitioning from high school football to college football, especially in the SEC, is a significant challenge. Even for highly rated prospects, the adjustment period can be tough. In high school, Pickett dominated against competition that wasn’t always up to his level, but at the college level, he will face the best receivers in the country—many of whom are faster, stronger, and more polished than anything he has encountered before.
One of the most challenging aspects of playing cornerback at the college level is the increased speed of the game. SEC offenses are known for their tempo, and wide receivers in the conference are some of the most talented and difficult to cover in the country. For Pickett, learning how to manage these faster, more complex offenses while also adapting to the physicality of college football will be key to his success.
Additionally, Pickett will need to adapt to LSU’s defensive schemes and learn the nuances of defensive coordinator Matt House’s system. While Pickett’s natural instincts and football IQ are a huge advantage, understanding the defensive playbook and being able to execute assignments in live action is a process that typically takes time. It’s not uncommon for highly touted freshman defensive backs to spend their first season learning the ropes before fully breaking out.
4. Will DJ Pickett Start on Day One?
So, will DJ Pickett start for LSU on day one? While it’s certainly within the realm of possibility, several factors will determine his role on the team. Let’s break down the key elements that will influence whether Pickett earns a starting spot immediately.
Talent and Physical Attributes
Pickett’s skill set makes him an extremely intriguing prospect. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ could make him an immediate contributor, particularly if the LSU coaching staff believes he has the tools to start early. His ability to lock down receivers, his speed in coverage, and his ball skills make him a threat on the outside, and these are traits that LSU will need in their secondary.
Competition from Veterans
The veterans in LSU’s cornerback room, including Jarrick Bernard-Converse and Makai Garner, are proven commodities who have established themselves as reliable players. Their experience and leadership will likely give them the edge as the season begins. However, Pickett’s playmaking ability could make him hard to ignore, and it’s possible that LSU may opt to start him in certain matchups to capitalize on his talents.
Injury and Depth Issues
Injuries and depth issues could also play a significant role in determining whether Pickett starts early in the season. If any of LSU’s cornerbacks go down with injuries or if depth becomes an issue, Pickett could be called upon to step up and start sooner than expected. This is especially true if Pickett shows early in fall camp that he’s capable of handling the responsibility of starting.
Coaching Staff’s Approach
Coach Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Matt House have shown that they are not afraid to start true freshmen if they demonstrate the necessary skills and football intelligence. If Pickett excels in camp and continues to show that he can perform at a high level, it’s possible that he will earn a starting job. LSU’s coaching staff will likely prioritize putting the best players on the field, regardless of age, and if Pickett proves to be one of the team’s top cornerbacks, he could be given the nod.
5. Potential Impact for LSU
If DJ Pickett does start for LSU on day one, his presence on the field would have a significant impact on the Tigers’ defense. Pickett is a highly skilled cornerback who could immediately help LSU lock down opposing wide receivers and improve the overall coverage unit. His athleticism would allow LSU to compete with some of the SEC’s most dangerous offenses, and his ability to create turnovers could help spark the Tigers’ defensive attack.
Pickett’s presence would also ease the pressure on LSU’s veteran cornerbacks. With a player of Pickett’s caliber on the field, opposing offenses would be forced to account for him, potentially opening up opportunities for other cornerbacks and defensive backs to make plays.