4-star OL bonding with 3 Gators coaches ahead of visit

Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Bay Technical offensive lineman Canon Pickett has scheduled his first game visit of 2024.

It’s with Billy Napier and the Florida Gators, as Pickett will be in Gainesville on Aug. 31 for the Miami game. That will mark his third experience at the Swamp this calendar year.

Pickett, a 2026 4-star prospect, is the No. 312 prospect overall in the On3 Industry Ranking.

“I want to see Florida play in the Swamp, especially coach (Rob) Sale, coach (Jonathan) Decoster and coach Kaleb Johnson. I want to see all of them coach and see the environment,” Pickett told Gators Online. “Also, my brother is Booker Pickett and he plays at Miami, so hopefully I can see him play.”

It was on Feb. 3 when Pickett earned an offer from the Gators. Since then, those conversations have been consistent, especially since June 15. That is when colleges could start contacting 2026 prospects, so Florida has definitely dialed it up a notch in recent weeks.

“Florida is recruiting me pretty hard,” said Pickett. “I talk to coach John D. here and there. Coach Sale, I texted him today and he told me good luck in our Kickoff Classic. They are recruiting me pretty hard.”

Canon Pickett has seen progress in Gainesville

When Pickett dissects the Gators’ program as a whole, what grasps his attention the most?

“I love the coaching staff, especially all the offensive line coaches and experience they have,” said Pickett. “Also, I like how the o-line looks. When I went to the spring game, I got to see how they coach somewhat and like how they teach.

“I also would say it’s also proximity to home. I don’t know if I necessarily want to stay in Florida, but that’s something I do like.”

Florida is on the short list early on

It’s no secret the 6-foot-4, 280-pound Pickett has strong connections to Miami. He already mentioned his brother being on the current roster, but his father, Booker Sr., suited up for the Hurricanes too.

Many view them as the program to beat, and understandably so, but don’t count Florida either.

“They’re definitely one of my higher schools. I really like everything about Florida,” said Pickett.

Additional offers of note include Georgia, LSU, Florida State, Michigan, Oregon, Texas A&M and USC.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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