Pride of the Panthers
The New Jersey native attended Ocean Township High School, sharing the alma mater with Raiders All-Pro linebacker Phil Villapiano.
Pickett committed to the University of Pittsburgh where he became a four-year starter. He enjoyed a massively successful senior season with the Panthers, leading them to a 11-2 record and an ACC Championship. He led his conference in completion percentage (67.2), completions (334) and touchdown passes (42) in 2021 while winning the ACC Player of the Year, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and being named a Heisman Trophy finalist.
"Kenny had a historic year, not only for Pitt but also for the Atlantic Coast Conference," Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi said at the time. "He represented our university, the city of Pittsburgh and the ACC with the utmost class every step of the way. Kenny is a very deserving recipient of this prestigious award and we are, yet again, tremendously proud of him."