06/07/2026
DJ Pickett returns for youth football camp
In a heartfelt display of community pride and giving back, LSU Tigers sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett returned to his hometown roots this past Saturday, hosting a free youth football camp at Krusen Field — the very same field where he first honed his skills as a young athlete with the Zephyrhills Athletic League (ZAL) Bulldawgs.
More than 350 eager kids, ages 5 to 17, turned out for the event, filling the field with energy, laughter, and determination as they learned fundamental skills, drills, and life lessons from one of the area’s brightest football stars.
Pickett, a Zephyrhills High School standout who quickly made his mark at the collegiate level, emphasized the importance of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to one’s community.
“I just want to be a person that just gives back to the community,” Pickett said as he cheered receivers and defensive backs running one-on-one drills. “I want to show the kids that it can happen wherever you’re at. It doesn’t matter where you’re at or what you have. You can do it.
“It went really well. I have a lot of people behind me. And I'm glad all these people showed up. And it really wasn't about me today. I wouldn't be here without my community. So, I'm glad everybody came out here and had fun.”
Pickett was a two-way phenom at ZHS who shattered records. He caught 130 passes for 2,577 yards and 35 touchdowns over his varsity career as a wide receiver, breaking the Pasco County career receiving record. On the defensive side, the tall, long cornerback tallied 94 tackles and 10 interceptions. His senior year in 2024 helped lead the Bulldogs to an 8-4 record and a second-round appearance in the Class 4A playoffs.
A consensus five-star recruit and one of the top defensive backs in the nation, Pickett chose LSU over other powerhouse programs. As a true freshman in 2025, Pickett made an immediate impact for the Tigers, earning national Defensive Freshman of the Year honors from On3. He appeared in 13 games with three starts, recording 37 tackles (29 solo), 3.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, three interceptions, and three pass breakups. His play was instrumental in LSU’s strong pass defense, as the Tigers led the SEC in interceptions and ranked among the league’s best in pass efficiency defense.
Standing at 6-foot-4 (or 6-5 in some listings) and weighing around 189-195 pounds, Pickett’s rare combination of size, speed, and ball skills has him poised for an even bigger role in 2026.
Parents and coaches in attendance praised the camp’s positive atmosphere and Pickett’s hands-on approach. Many young participants left with autographs, photos, and newfound motivation. The event was supported by local organizations including the Zephyrhills Athletic League, underscoring the strong ties between Pickett’s past and present. As summer heats up in Zephyrhills, Pickett’s camp serves as a shining example of success meeting gratitude. For the next generation of Bulldawgs dreaming big, Saturday proved that hometown heroes are still making a difference right where they started.
“I want kids to really just be out there, like, compete no matter what,” Pickett said. “There are going to be ups and downs. You have to keep going. The majority of this camp was just to show people you could do it anywhere. You don't need resources. You don't need things to help you get where you need to go. You can make it happen where you are at right now.”
