The 6-foot-5, 285-pound senior defensive end and running back had led the Yellow Jackets to a 14-0 record and a berth in the Class AAAAA state final against Dutch Fork High at the time of his selection. Pickens had recorded 82 tackles, including 14 for loss, and five sacks through 14 games. A four-time All-Region honoree, who has thrice received All-State recognition rushed for 834 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 8.9 yards per carry, entering the state title game.
Pickens has maintained a weighted 3.71 GPA in the classroom. He has verbally committed to play football on an athletic scholarship at the University of South Carolina in the fall of 2019.
Pickens has volunteered locally with Hemophilia of South Carolina, and he has donated his time as a youth mentor.
