High School
Three-star recruit according to 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals … ranked as the 87th cornerback in the country and 78th overall in California by 247Sports … ranked as the 139th cornerback in the country and 128th overall in California by ESPN … ranked as the 127th safety in the nation and 106th overall in California by Rivals … totaled 10 interceptions, 130 tackles (89-41-130), 16 pass breakups and three fumble recoveries in his high school career … named the Trinity League MVP in 2025 ... two-time All-Trinity League First Team honoree in 2024 and 2025 ... as a senior in 2025, recorded seven interceptions, 58 tackles (39-19-58), five pass breakups and one forced fumble and fumble recovery … recorded two interceptions in a 36-31 victory over previously-undefeated and No. 1-ranked St. John Bosco High School in October 2025 … helped Mater Dei to an 8-3 record and CIF-SS Division I Semifinals appearance in 2025 … as a junior in 2024, recorded two interceptions, 36 tackles (23-13-36) and four pass breakups … named a 2023 MaxPreps Preseason All-American entering his sophomore year.
Personal
Full name: Cory Delano Lavender Jr. ... goes by “CJ” ... parents are Cory Lavender Sr. and Maria Acosta ... has four siblings: Brandon, Nate, Jada, and Lexy ... hobbies and interests include fishing, hiking, and jet skiing ... intends to major in nursing ... aspires to a career in radiology ... admires longtime NFL safety Brian Dawkins ... decided to attend UCLA “to stay home and play for my hometown.”