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" ... cites recording 10 interceptions during his senior year at Mater Dei as his greatest pre-UCLA athletic highlight.