Rookie Cornerback Turns Heads on Bayou Turf
LSU true freshman cornerback DJ Pickett, a five-star prospect out of Florida, stepped into Baton Rouge and immediately made an impact on Blake Baker’s defense in 2025. The 6-foot-5, 195-pounder broke into a three-man rotation alongside Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane and sophomore PJ Woodland. Over 12 games, Pickett allowed just 13 catches on 35 targets, tallied three interceptions (tied for team lead), and surrendered a single touchdown. His coverage prowess and run-defense skills earned him On3 Sports’ True Freshman of the Year on defense. Pickett’s highlight reel includes a game-sealing pick against rival Florida and a series of pressures, sacks, and stops that backed up Pro Football Focus’s praise. LSU’s new head coach Lane Kiffin retained the defensive staff, setting the stage for Pickett to slot in as CB1 in 2026.
Move over, seasoned veterans—LSU’s got a giant freshman patrolling the boundary like an overenthusiastic mall cop. In a display of gridiron baby’s first steps, Pickett spent the season swatting passes and scaring receivers farther away than mosquitos in mid-August. His onboarding process: “Hey, welcome to college—oh, you want to run a route? Not on my watch.” Meanwhile, the coaching staff just nods approvingly, clutching their clipboards like proud parents at a spelling bee. Critics who claimed true freshmen couldn’t play man coverage now look as lost as a lost receiver in a fog machine. Expect LSU fans to sell T-shirts reading “Pickets Not Bricks,” because if you can’t catch it, you might as well buy the merch. CB1? More like CBwon’t-escape-Pickett.
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