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Three Predictions: DJ Pickett, Winston Watkins, Ben Hanks
Rivals national recruiting analyst John Garcia Jr. has a trio of predictions on five-star DJ Pickett, Winston Watkins‘ ultimate decision and whether Ben Hanks sticks with his Florida commitment.
1. DJ PICKETT’S COLLEGE STARDOM WILL COME ON OFFENSE, NOT DEFENSE
Listed as the top-ranked athlete in the Rivals250, DJ Pickett showed out in his final high school game on Friday night, snagging a long touchdown and an interception in addition to several tackles, a pass breakup and a handful of catches on the outside.
There is considerable length and athleticism to Pickett’s game, so the desire to focus on defense makes plenty of sense, but the offensive skill has come natural with Pasco County’s most productive pass catcher of all time.
So whether he sticks with his LSU commitment, as he indicated over the weekend, or he ends up pulling a surprise with Oregon, Florida or Georgia – Pickett will make plays on offense at the next level. He can come out of his breaks like a smaller player, operates with legitimate elite speed and of course possesses some of the best ball skills we have scouted in the 2025 class.
2. WINSTON WATKINS WILL LAND AT OLE MISS
It’s been quiet on the Winston Watkins front of late as he helps Venice (Fla.) High make a deep playoff run, but the end of his recruitment is about a week out. There have been tons of programs up and down on his list over the years, in addition to multiple commitments, but Ole Miss and Indiana have emerged as an unofficial top two.
Watkins hit both campuses in the offseason and he has since returned to Oxford, so we love where Lane Kiffin‘s program stands for one of the top slot receivers in the 2025 Rivals250. The top-100 talent has long anticipated a Dec. 4 decision and he is sticking to it after the pair of early pledges, but it doesn’t mean Ole Miss hasn’t built up a strong lead since.
3. BEN HANKS STICKS WITH FLORIDA
Miami has pushed to keep Ben Hanks home, especially after a dominant senior campaign with 12 interceptions to his name and counting as the playoffs roll on, but the Gator legacy has been steadfast with his pledge and the recent momentum in Gainesville should help to stave off the Hurricanes in the end. UM will still be in position for other flips, and it’s not smart to bet against Mario Cristobal late in any recruiting cycle, but the UF surge is more than a moment, it will last through National Signing Day next week.
Hanks has been back and forth between campuses all season long, but he has leaned toward Gainesville of late – even while expected at Miami. As much as modern recruiting has extra variables to consider on every recruit’s final decision, the old adage of tracking the visits still applies more times than not. The Hurricanes are out of home games, too, so there won’t be a last-second stand in Coral Gables for one more in-person impression from Cristobal or any Miami coaches for that matter.
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