Defensive backs are a big area of need for the Florida Gators in the 2022 class as adding depth to the position is something the coaching staff wants to do.
Defensive back Azareyeh Thomas (6-3, 176, Niceville, FL. High) is one of the top targets at his position and he says two coaches from Florida keep in touch with him often.
“They’re recruiting me pretty hard,” Thomas said of Florida. “I’ve been mainly talking to Coach [Dan] Mullen and Coach Jules [Montinar].”
Cornerbacks coach Jules Montinar has explained to Thomas just how important he is to what the Gators are building in Gainesville.
“Just keeping working and grinding,” he said on the message from Montinar. “They really want me there and truly think I could come in and help Florida win a national championship.”
Montinar has only been recruiting for a few months since he arrived in Gainesville but Thomas likes the new cornerbacks coach for the Gators.
“He’s real, so in the recruiting process that’s rare,” Thomas said of his impressions of Montinar. “He just doesn’t talk ball with me, he talks family and academics as well. I love his energy as well.”
Head coach Dan Mullen has also made sure to explain to Thomas why his skill set is different than other guys the Gators are recruiting.
“Pretty much the same thing as Coach Jules,” Thomas said of the message from Mullen. “They feel like my length and ball skills separate me from every other recruit. I’m 6’3 but I move like I’m 5’10 so I feel like that’s what separates me too.”
Thomas is in the process of figuring out which schools are recruiting him the hardest but he does know he will officially visit Florida.
“It’s pretty high because they have a great history at producing NFL-ready defensive backs so that stands out,” he said of his interest in Florida. “I’m looking right now for June 11th for my official visit.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Thomas says he wants to make a decision before his senior year and right now he’s trying to figure out which other school will receive official visits from him.