UCLA Football Recruiting: Adarius Pickett – One of the Country’s Top Cornerbacks – Commits to Bruins

Just when we thought we were going to have a ho-hum bye week. Bruins shook up the recruiting trail out in the Best Coast by getting a commitment from one of the best corners in the region (ht alwaysblueandgold). Adarius Pickett considered to be one of the best cornerbacks in the country (not just the West) committed to the Bruins early this afternoon, giving Coaches Mora, Martin another weapon for their defensive backfield. Via Stephanie Hammon on InsideBayArea:

El Cerrito High cornerback Adarius Pickett committed to UCLA on Tuesday, just days after returning from his official visit to the school.

Pickett, a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, had earlier narrowed his long list of offers to a top 13. But the 6-foot, 185-pound senior says he's done with the recruiting process after his first and only official visit over the past weekend.

"I was just talking to my parents about it and they said it's my decision," Pickett said. "Today just seemed like a great day to do it."

Derrell Warren, SBN's West Coast Recruiting analyst gushed about Adarius earlier this summer, suggesting he is "rangier than usual for a player of his height":

Pickett has a strong-looking frame and great length for his size. At this stage in his development he seems most comfortable lining up in press-man. That said, he doesn't often get his hands on the receiver, so development of his jamming technique is needed in order to maximize his effectiveness in press-man situations.

In coverage, Pickett displays good reactive quickness. He has the ability to not only re-direct in space but can click and close. He flashes the necessary traits to function well within zone concepts considering driving on the ball is indeed one of his primary strengths.

In terms of defending vertical routes, Pickett carries above average speed but isn't necessarily a burner. However, he tracks the ball well and is a springy athlete who can go up the air to make plays. He has a good understanding of angles and how to cut off routes. He is aggressive supporting the run and is an authoritative tackler for his position.

Some video highlights via YouTube:

And Scout.com:

Pickett's offer-sheet is pretty absurd. Take a look here where his 13 something offers range from Nebraska to Yale (!). He becomes the seventh commit for the incoming class of 2014 joining JoJo McIntosh, Ron Robinson, Austin Roberts, Jordan Lasley and Barry Ware.

Let's give a warm welcome to the Bruin family to Adarius.

Go Bruins!!!!