Former Florida State Seminoles defensive back Azareye’h Thomas has emerged as a potential day-two selection, citing the tough winter workouts put on by head coach Mike Norvell as a driving force for his growth.
Azareye’h Thomas Describes Mike Norvell’s Difficult Preseason Training Regimen
While answering questions at the NFL Combine, Thomas was asked about the biggest thing his former Florida State head coach taught him.
FSU cornerback Azareye'h Thomas thanks FSU head coach Mike Norvell on teaching him the mental aspect of the game.
“Tour of Duty ain’t no joke, EMS right there at the front door waiting for you to fall out. Mentally, he’s on you. He was on my butt every day.” pic.twitter.com/KfCLsyW6ka
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) February 27, 2025
“The biggest thing Coach Norvell taught me was about the mental aspect of the game,” he answered quickly. “Like responding … you can never be too high, you can never be too low. I learned that from him.”
Thomas said that in high school, he didn’t know how to respond after making a big play, being “immature mentally.”
He continued, dialing in on the exact preseason workouts that helped him improve the mental side of the game.
“Tour of Duty ain’t no joke, EMS right there at the front door waiting for you to fall out. Mentally, he’s on you,” the cornerback said. “He was on my butt every day.”
The mental side of the game has allowed Thomas to be a potential NFL draft pick, something he stressed to Norvell during his recruiting home visit.
Although the team stumbled to a disappointing 2-10 season, Thomas had a strong 2024 campaign, finishing as an All-ACC Honorable Mention selection. The junior started all 12 games at cornerback, totaling 52 total tackles — good for second most on the team. He also registered four passes defensed and an interception.
At the NFL Combine, he measured 6’1.5″ and 197 pounds. His 32 3/8″ arms highlight his biggest strength: his length and ability to disrupt passing lanes despite being slightly out of position. His height is slightly above average, but his fluidity and flexibility allow him to stay attached to smaller receivers.
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Currently, Thomas is positioned in the day two range (rounds two and three). His decision not to run the 40-yard dash was disappointing to some, but his film—expressing a calmness and discipline normally seen in veteran players at the cornerback position—should inspire confidence in NFL decision-makers.
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