Many of the top uncommitted prospects in the state of Florida were in Gainesville on Saturday to watch the Florida Gators take on Alabama.
Defensive back Azareyeh Thomas (6-1, 177, Niceville, FL. High) was in the Swamp and the atmosphere impressed the Niceville prospect.
“It was crazy, it was electric, something I’ve never seen before,” Thomas said of his visit to Florida on Saturday. “It was crazy. It was loud where I couldn’t even hear myself. I zoned out for a little bit.”
While the Gators didn’t win on Saturday, Thomas says he could tell Florida was the team that wanted it more and fought until the end.
“I feel like the whole stadium and the recruits, we could tell who wanted it more and it was Florida,” he said on Florida’s fight to recover from an early deficit. “They missed a couple of tackles, a field goal that was a huge momentum shift. So, you could tell who wanted it more, but they just have to fix a couple of things and Florida is going to be a great team.”
The Gators defense struggled out of the gate but Thomas believes head coach Dan Mullen helped them fix the mistakes.
“I feel like when they went in at halftime, Coach Mullen just told them what they needed to adjust and they played much better,” Thomas said on the defense improving as the game went on.
Thomas watched the Gators defense closely and believes he could play in Florida’s defense because of the type of coverage they play.
“I feel like I would fit well,” he said on how he thinks he fits into the defense. “They play a lot of tight man press, just try me football that I call it. A lot of bump and run so I feel like that plays well into my game. I like playing man and getting into their faces.”
Defensive backs coach Jules Montinar is the main recruiter for Thomas and has let him know that he’s wanted in Gainesville.
“Before the game, I talked to Coach Jules about the game and they said they were going to have a great game,” Thomas said on his talks with the coaches. “Really just how he wants me bad and how they aren’t going anywhere and to make the best decision for me. They aren’t going to try and rush anything with me. They’re letting me be me.”
Last month Thomas named a top three of Florida, LSU, and Georgia Tech and he says that’s still the same after Saturday.
“I feel like all three schools could benefit me in some way,” he said of his top three of Florida, LSU, and Georgia Tech. “Right now, I’m just trying to focus on the pros and cons of everything and I know deep down in my heart where I want to go so, I’m not really worried or stressed about it. I’m just going to put it in God’s hands.”
Thomas wanted to have a decision made over the summer but he wasn’t ready for that but he says one could come soon now.
“Most likely will be at the end of this month or early October,” Thomas said on when he may decide. “I will probably be going to make it to an LSU game and to another Tech game. I’ve really been to UF more than anyone.”