Zephyrhills (Fla.) five-star cornerback DJ Pickett announced his commitment to the LSU Tigers in July, with the decision sending shockwaves through the recruiting scene.

The No. 1 cornerback in America chose Brian Kelly’s program over Oregon and Miami, but that didn’t stop top programs from reaching out to him.

Pickett made a return trip to Baton Rouge this weekend for the program’s Top 15 game against the Alabama Crimson Tide, and despite the lopsided loss, the top-ranked corner reaffirmed his commitment to LSU.

“It’s about my son being happy, my son being comfortable and my son getting on the field early and we think that place is LSU,” Pickett’s father Damien told Steve Wiltfong from On3 Sports.

Despite a push from the Miami Hurricanes down the stretch, Pickett doubled down on his commitment to the LSU Tigers.

LSU cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond led the point guard during Pickett’s recruitment. He’s been locked in with the No. 1 defensive back in America since his time with the Florida Gators in 2023.

The relationship built over a year ago was reflected throughout Pickett’s recruitment once he returned to Baton Rouge.

What finally made Pickett feel at home? What tricks did Raymond have up his sleeve to secure the commitment of the Sunshine State’s top prospect?

The deciding factor: Corey Raymond’s abilities

Pickett has been loud and clear about what brought him to Baton Rouge. Five-star LSU cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond is key to why he ultimately selected the Tigers over the Oregon Ducks and Miami Hurricanes, the architect of ‘DBU’ repeating on the recruitment trail.

“I wish (Oregon and Miami) the best, but I’m at LSU now,” Pickett said after announcing his decision in July. “If you’re a DB and Coach Raymond is at LSU, I think that’s the right place to be. That tells you everything right there.

It was simple. Once Raymond was hired by Kelly and re-joined the LSU staff, Pickett’s attention turned to Baton Rouge.

He believed in the vision that Raymond had in place for him, whether at Florida or at LSU.

Raymond and the Florida Gators parted ways after the 2023 season before LSU brought him back to The Boot in January 2024.

Once back on staff, Raymond put all the pressure on Pickett, a decision that paid off in the long run.

“Just the Corey Raymond factor. And that’s the U. DBU defensive back. He’s a big factor for LSU,” Pickett’s father told On3Sports. “The fact that they have developed so many DBs. Coach Raymond has developed so many DBs at the school. Recruiting is underway. There are so many greats that have played at LSU. I would tell the story up ‘at LSU.

The pitch: Help bring back “DBU”

It’s no secret Raymond has recruited at a high level during his career. From the signing of Derek Stingley to other Tiger legends, the proof is in the product. He is a recruiting guru and has proven it time and time again.

When it came to Pickett, he didn’t miss a beat. It was about restoring the “DBU” title and that starts with bringing a coveted recruit like Pickett to Death Valley.

“I feel like they just need the right guys to come in there and change things,” Pickett said via On3 Sports. “It only takes a year and then it starts from there.”

Now, Pickett is a player who can give the Tigers a good start in the defensive backfield long term, where he will likely be brought into the mix as a rookie in 2025.

The connection: LSU great Patrick Peterson

Raymond delved into his bag of tricks when recruiting Pickett. He knew it wouldn’t be easy to obtain his services, so he pulled out the X factor: Patrick Peterson.

During Pickett’s official visit to LSU in early June, Peterson flew to Louisiana to help lead the recruiting drive where he walked side-by-side with Pickett through the football operations building along the way.

Peterson, a Sunshine State native like Pickett, brought his talents to Louisiana as a coveted prospect, with the Tigers now utilizing that resource in its recruitment. A source confirmed to LSU Tigers On SI that Peterson and Pickett have stayed in touch and it has become a key part of LSU’s push.

LSU threw in early playing time, versatility in the defensive backfield and more when it came to downfield offerings, but the NIL factor was certainly a focal point in this one.

With heavy hitters like Oregon and Miami in the mix, LSU had to pull out all the stops to remain an option.

After LSU rolled out the red carpet, kept pace with the top programs in the NIL space and used its resources, it pushed the Tigers to secure a verbal commitment from the nation’s top-ranked cornerback.

It will be a battle to the buzzer for LSU when it comes to securing his signature in December, but the Tigers proved they have arrived in new age recruiting after adding Pickett to the 2025 class.

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