Commitment Breakdown: Rivals100 ATH Azareyeh Thomas to Florida State
Extra work was put in along the recruiting trail by the Florida State coaching staff bearing the fruits of their labor in what is shaping up to be an outstanding 2022 class. The reward in the hours of calls, texts, mail and visits are paying off landing top talents like four-star Azareyeh Thomas.
WHAT THE SEMINOLES ARE GETTING
One can only imagine the great debates among the FSU coaches behind closed doors as to where Thomas should play once on campus. Thomas is one of those rare athletes who could contribute at the collegiate level on both sides of the ball. If offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham gets his way, Florida State has added a big target in their passing attack. Thomas can beat corners deep and has the field vision and cutting ability to take a simple screen 80 yards the other way.
If Adam Fuller wins out, Thomas has intimidating size in the secondary. Thomas might be more of a project on defense than he would be on the other side of the ball, but his athletic abilities will help him get on the field sooner than later.
WHAT MAKES AZAREYEH THOMAS DIFFERENT
Playing corner for Niceville, Thomas’ 6-foot, 3-inch, frame takes away any potential height advantage some receivers may have on most defensive backs. The athletic talents show flipping his hips and when the ball is in the air.
Going the other way, Thomas has dynamic play potential every time he touches the ball. Once the ball is in his hands, he doesn’t lose footraces to the end zone. The extra something; Thomas will take the ball anyway he can get it. He’s not a streak or post route runner only willing to cut loose on any route on the tree.
WHY THIS IS BIG FOR FLORIDA STATE
Comparing the Seminoles’ 2021 haul to 2022, it is night and day different. The depth chart is being replenished with talent that can contribute early with some, like Thomas, potentially taking the field on opening day.
Thomas could have gone anywhere in the country at one time looking like a heavy Oklahoma lean. Official visits were taken to Florida, Georgia Tech, LSU, Oklahoma, and FSU. This win adds more speed, size and athleticism to the roster and pushed the Seminoles up the Rivals’ team recruiting rankings.