Despite the departure of defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale from the Michigan coaching staff, there is some positive news on the recruiting front. Five-star defensive back D.J. Pickett recently announced his top five schools, and Michigan made the cut alongside LSU, Oregon, Georgia, and Miami.
Pickett, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound prospect from Zephyrhills High School in Tampa, Florida, is ranked highly in the 2025 recruiting class, sitting at No. 7 nationally, No. 3 among cornerback prospects, and No. 1 in the state of Florida according to the 247Sports composite ranking.
In an interview with Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports, Pickett mentioned that his connections with the coaches at these schools influenced his decision, and he plans to take official visits only to his top five choices.
Pickett attended Michigan’s victory over Ohio State at the Big House in November, which likely enhanced the school’s standing for him. While the departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh didn’t affect his decision, Pickett expressed concern about Clinkscale’s departure, stating, “The coaching change really didn’t matter as long as Coach Clink was still there.”
Currently, Michigan lacks commitments from defensive backs in the 2025 class, and with Will Johnson possibly leaving for the NFL after this season, there is a need for top-tier talent in the secondary.
The impact of Clinkscale’s departure on Pickett’s recruitment remains to be seen, but for now, Michigan remains in contention for his services.
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