It’s not all bad news on the recruiting trail, either, as defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale is the latest Michigan defensive assistant to leave the coaching staff.Five-star defensive back D.J. Pickett revealed his final five college choices on Friday, with Michigan making the list. Michigan was listed with LSU, Oregon, Georgia, and Miami.
In an interview with 247Sports and Steve Wiltfong, Pickett stated that “the connections that (Pickett) has with the coaches” is why he chose these five colleges in particular. Additionally, he stated that only the colleges ranked in his top five will receive official visits from him.Seeing Michigan beat Ohio State at the Big House in November while Pickett was in Ann Arbor must have raised the school’s profile in his eyes. Additionally, Pickett told Wiltfong that while he wasn’t bothered by Jim Harbaugh’s exit, he was concerned about how Steve Clinkscale’s departure may affect things.
“I have a really good bond with Coach (Steve) Clinck (scale),” Pickett told 247Sports. “As long as Coach Clink remained in his position, the coaching change really didn’t matter.”As of right now, Pickett is still under contract with Michigan, and the school could really use his help as no defensive backs are officially committed to the 2025 class. The Wolverines will also need some elite talent in the defensive backfield because Will Johnson is expected to leave for the NFL following this season.
