Defensive back Azareye'h Thomas speaks on the possibility of declaring for NFL

Florida State football's disappointing 2024 campaign has ended as they fall to the arch-rival Florida Gators by a score of 31-11. It was a microcosm of what transpired all year with turnovers (EIGHT fumbles), an inability to run on defense, and an offensive line that continues to struggle.

It wasn't a shock that the Seminoles finished with a 2-10 record. Those aspects of Florida State displayed themselves in Dublin, Ireland, during the season opener and never left the team.

I realize that head football coach Mike Norvell wishes he could have back this year. I truly hope that Florida State never has to go through this again. There were barely any positives that they could point to on the season.

However, I will say that junior defensive back Azareye'h Thomas handled his own this year. The former four-star prospect was acquired in the 2022 recruiting class. It seemed like Thomas was undervalued after the Seminoles missed out on five-star Travis Hunter (for good reason, obviously).

However, the Niceville product turned out to be a consistent piece for the Seminoles' defensive unit. During the 2024 season, he finished with 52 tackles (two for loss), four passes defended, and one interception.

The one turnover forced came in the season finale versus Florida as quarterback DJ Lagway underthrew his wide receiver in the endzone. Nonetheless, it was a good heads-up play by Thomas to be in a position to make the interception.

It was great to see his hard work and dedication pay off this season. Thomas has continued to handle his business even amid difficult times. The defensive back was asked after the game about potentially leaving the Seminoles for the NFL this offseason and provided the following statement:

"I haven't made a final decision yet. I've still got time to think about it and pray about it. I'll just allow my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to lead me in the way that He wants me to go. I know that He has already ordered my steps. I'm going to keep praying on it, and wherever my Spirit leads me, that's what I am going to roll with. "

- Thomas on potentially leaving for NFL

Overall, I would not be upset if he left. He deserves this moment for himself. He is an incredible human being who has set himself up to make some life-changing money. With the Seminoles having a new defensive coordinator and potentially a new defensive backs coach, if Patrick Surtain goes elsewhere, I could understand why Thomas would just get a fresh start in the NFL.