Interview: Highly Productive 2022 Alabama LB/SS Sharode Pickett Jr. Balled Out in 2020
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One does not have to take a survey of Alabama 5A offensive coordinators to know that Sharode Pickett Jr. was a nightmare to scheme against throughout the 2020 high school football season; the tape says it all. The 5-10, 205-pound, defender filled that Jabrill Peppers do-everything role with Wenonah High School accumulating 107 tackles, 28 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and three PBU. The Dragons were able to use Pickett in the box, on the edge, and in coverage showcasing one of the state’s best and now college programs are taking notice.
When the 2021 season kicks off, Pickett will be taking on the same roles with Pleasant Grove High School ready to bring the hurt to a whole other set of 5A teams on the schedule. The 3.1 GPA student-athlete will be doing so with interest already coming in from teams like UAB, NIU, Jacksonville State, and Mercer.
With the 7v7 season getting going in Alabama and offseason workouts underway, Pickett visited the RNG Lab for an overview on his game.
Interview
Sharode, you were all over the field for Wenonah during your junior season playing inside linebacker, strong safety, and nickel. Week to week, how did you prepare for a team given all the roles you were filling?
It depended on their offense and where I fit best that week. I would practice where they needed me throughout the week based on film.
What scheme were the Dragons executing in 2020?
We ran Cover 2 and 3 with a lot of man. We were in a 4-man front but later on in the season went to a 3-man front.
How did your skills as a defensive back and linebacker grow throughout the season?
It really expanded. I didn’t play DB before, I was a LB. My skills using my hands, my footwork, my hips, and my man, all of that was a big improvement coming from a middle linebacker who was filling gaps to covering.
In which game did you turn in your top performance?
I think I played my best in our first game, which was against Center Point. There was a big play in that one that set the tone for the season. I made a big difference against Ramsay too; that was the third game of the season. I started off the season strong. That play against Center Point, it made a local highlight clip for the season. It was their No. 3 overall play of the season.
Nice. This offseason, what have you been working on with your game with a focus on fundamentals?
I have been working on my hips and my footwork, and getting bigger. I have been running working on my speed and my coverage playing man working on my timing with my hands onto receivers. This offseason I have focused on developing my craft.
You just touched on this, but going deeper. How have you been increasing your strength?
I have been working with Extreme Fitness. My trainer, he works with guys in the NFL and college. We have been doing a lot of explosive workouts and agility drills. With weights, we have been doing bench, band work, a lot of legs and arms. It is really rough.
What have you been doing to push your speed, athleticism, and agility ahead?
Running hills. At Extreme Fitness we run the hills every Wednesday, six of them. They also have us using a weighted sled and I go to the field when I can to run with a parachute. I have also been doing calf raises and leg workouts. I have been working out with former Alabama corner Randle Woodall on my footwork too.
When did you last run a 40 and what did you post?
My last 40 was a 4.6. I did that last summer.
Are you playing any other varsity sports this year?
Yes. I am playing baseball.
Which positions?
I can play everywhere on the field. Right now, they have me at third.
You recently made that transition to Pleasant Grove. When spring ball and the 2021 season gets going, what positions will you be playing with the new team? Are you doing all the same ones?
Yes, sir. That is why I have been working so hard. My new coaches are talking about playing me more to the outside this season. They call it the shark, but it is a nickel.
Sharode, thanks for breaking everything down for us today. Wishing you continued success with your workouts and baseball and 7v7 seasons.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Pickett family; Sharode Pickett
So proud of you Sharode Jr, remember you as an awesome little league player with th Huffman Hurricanes, you were a beast them as you are now, this is what happens when you are dedicated to your team and being the best you can be, congratulations on a job well done, hope to see and hear more of you in the future, stay safe and focused, see a big future for you, love Mrs. Gordon