Pickens has three on top
One of the best all around athletes in the state next season will be Chino (Calif.) Don Lugo's A.J. Pickens. The two way standout recently picked up his first scholarship offer and said he has three schools on top right now.
Pickens, 5-11, 165 pounds can play receiver or corner back in college and is being recruited as an athlete right now. As a junior, he caught 21 balls for 313 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 808 yards and 10 more scores. He also added a kickoff return for a touchdown.
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Pickens tested well at the NIKE Combine in Long Beach running a 4.6-40, 4.26 in the shuttle and jumped 31 inches in the vertical. He plays even faster than his 40 time and has a nice upside for the college level.
On the recruiting front, Pickens picked up his first scholarship a few days ago.
"Washington just offered," Pickens said. "They said they like me at corner first and then receiver and are recruiting me harder than any other school right now.
"I'm also hearing a lot from Cal, Oregon State and Colorado and it sounds like they could be close to offering as well."
Pickens' father Dwight played receiver at Fresno State and the Bulldogs are high up on the list for him as well.
"Fresno State, Arizona State and Oregon are my top three right now," Pickens said. "I don't think distance will play a role but honestly, I haven't thought much about it. All the schools recruiting me are on the West Coast for the most part but it's not really an issue."
Pickens will be in attendance at the NIKE Camp at USC this Sunday but is unsure about the rest of his summer camp plans.