Azarehe'h Thomas was the second-highest commit to sign in the 2022 high school recruiting class behind Sam McCall, who ironically is one of the biggest recruiting busts in recent memory.
In hindsight, he was an excellent consolation prize once Travis Hunter de-committed that same day to go elsewhere. Three years later, both have the potential to be first-round draft picks in 2025.
Thomas was the No. 89 overall player nationally and is the most accomplished player from that class by far. He started all 12 games in 2024, was All-ACC Honorable Mention, and had 52 tackles, four pass breakups, and one interception.
His numbers probably would have been better if teams threw his way, but he only allowed 94 yards in coverage all season. Thomas has outstanding measurables courtesy of the Senior Bowl:
2025 Reese's Senior Bowl Measurements.
— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 27, 2025
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His height, hand size, and length are what scouts and General Managers salivate over. The poor 2024 season and playing behind Renardo Green, Jarrian Jones, and Fentrell Cypress on that loaded 2023 defense, probably took some of the luster off.
However, when NFL teams turn on the tape, they know they'll have a guy who can and will play at a high level in the NFL.
It's why several NFL Draft guys have Thomas projected to go early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Let's take a look.