Florida State University defensive star Azareye’h Thomas is the All Sports Association Male Collegiate Award winner. As a freshman defensive back, Thomas saw action in 11 games as a Seminole recording 14 tackles, including two for loss, one interception, and one pass breakup.
His achievements on the field were matched in the classroom as he was named All-ACC Academic Team, ACC Honor Roll, and Seminole Scholar.In the Seminoles’ undefeated 2023 regular season and conference championship game, he recorded at least one tackle in every game, totaling 24 tackles for the year.
He was also credited with one forced fumble in the ACC Championship game against Louisville. The Niceville native graduated high school in 2021 and helped lead the Eagles to the second round of the 2021 FHSAA 7A state playoffs.
As a high school senior he amassed an impressive 421 rushing yards, averaging 8.6 yards per carry, caught 33 passes for 438 yards, and scored 17 total touchdowns, including two interceptions and one fumble recovery on defense. In 2020, he was a standout in five playoff games accounting for 427 yards and six total touchdowns, and he did not allow a touchdown all season playing defensive back.
The Northwest Florida Daily News named Thomas the Large Schools Defensive Player of the Year in his junior season at Niceville.
