Pickett is blowing up
Charlotte (N.C.) Ardrey Kell athlete Justus Pickett took an unofficial visit this past weekend. The 5-foot-11, 183-pounder made his way to one SEC school and is headed to another next week.
"I just had a visit to Florida for an unofficial," he said. "It went really well. I loved it down there. The coaching staff is pretty high on me now; I'm pretty high on their list. They mentioned by the end of next week I'll know if I'll have an offer. As of now, they are pretty sure that I will."
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What is Pickett's take on that possibility?
"I'm definitely very interested in their school," he said. "I like how they use their running backs. They have speed backs that catch the ball and run routes out of the backfield, that's a great fit for me."
Pickett went a bit further on the trip.
"I talked to Coach Meyer briefly," he said. "He mentioned they're interested and they want me back down for an official either for the South Carolina game (Nov. 13) or after the season.
"I was definitely impressed by the atmosphere too. It was louder than any other game I've been to. It's definitely a great atmosphere to play in and the fans are pretty rowdy down there."
Meanwhile, Pickett is starting to eye official visits with one coming next weekend.
"I'm thinking about an official to Arkansas on the 23rd (Ole Miss game)," he said. "Then, I'm planning on going to Maryland and West Virginia for officials.
"I got the Arkansas offer a couple months ago and Maryland offered just a few days ago."
What does he think of the latest scholarship from the Terps?
"I'm definitely interested in that," he said. "The coaches have told me their running back situation and they don't really have any depth. They have three running backs, one is graduating and one is injured, so they are looking for a back like me, someone who is a home run threat on any given play."
With a fifth official potentially open, Pickett is unsure who else made land a trip.
"I'm kind of leaving that open right now."
It's no surprise interest for the tailback has picked up dramatically after he has helped Ardrey Kell to a 5-2 record while rushing for over 1,400-yards and hauling in 500-yards receiving in seven games along with 25 total touchdowns.
"I definitely give credit to our new coaching staff, they have done a great job and we're doing great this year," he said. "I've definitely seen an improvement, all the hard work in the summer has paid off. I've put on several pounds and have more speed as well."