Five-Star DB DJ Pickett returns to Florida State, meets Patrick Surtain Sr. for first time

Pickett was among a plethora of five-star prospects in Tallahassee for Seminole Legacy Weekend.

Class of 2025 Five-Star safety DJ Pickett was on campus at Florida State's Doak Campbell Stadium this Saturday for the Seminole Legacy recruiting weekend. The event lasted from Friday to Saturday and featured some of the top names in the 2025 and 2025 classes.

READ MORE: Florida State honors Jermaine Johnson with unveiling of All-American Brick

Though Pickett has been to FSU four or five times during his recruitment, this trip gave him an opportunity to meet with recently hired defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. He's working on furthering his relationship with Surtain Sr.

"Coming back was really just building a relationship with coach Surtain. Just seeing everything again," Pickett said to NoleGameday's Tommy Mire. "He's a chill person. That's what I like, and I feel like we have a good connection, and that's a big part of my recruitment."

"Really just talking about how I like at the defense and how he can build me into a better person on and off the field so that's a big part," Pickett continued.

Florida State's coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, have been building a connection with Pickett since he was in eighth grade. The coaches stay in contact with his parents which is something a lot of other programs haven't been doing.

"The relationship that they built with me when they offered me in eighth grade," Pickett said. "They just keep in contact with my parents so that's really big because other schools don't really do that." 

Former Florida State star and current New York Jets defensive end, Jermaine Johnson II, was on campus along with numerous other former players to support the recruiting efforts. Johnson had a ceremony on Saturday where he was commemorated for being named an All-American with the unveiling of a brick that will be outside the Moore Athletic Center forever.

The Seminoles had recruits circling the ceremony to get a look at the special moment.

"It was pretty cool because one day I can probably be in their shoes," Pickett said. Probably have my name on a brick one day."

At this point, Florida State, Michigan, Texas A&M, Georgia, Florida, Miami, and South Carolina are a couple of the programs that are making him a priority. He's not ready to name a leader at this point.

"They're pretty high, but I'm taking this recruitment slow," Pickett said. "Just getting the chance to experience different kinds of things in this recruitment." 

Pickett will 'probably' return to Florida State for the Garnet & Gold Showcase on April 15. He's also planning trips to Georgia, Miami, Alabama, and other programs.

The 6-foot-2, 170-pound safety is regarded as the No. 8 overall prospect, the No. 2 S, and the No. 2 recruit in the state of Florida in the 2025 class according to 247Sports.

READ MORE: FSU Athletic Director Michael Alford makes a strong case for the Seminoles to leave the ACC

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 offseason

Follow NoleGameday on Twitter and Facebook