Florida
Three Players To Watch In Florida State’s ACC Finale Against North Carolina
In a season filled with highs and lows, Florida State’s culture has been thrust into the spotlight. While the Seminoles’ 2024 campaign hasn’t met initial expectations, Mike Norvell’s ‘Noles are under the microscope, as people both in and around the program wish to see grit and tenacity continue to shine throughout the remaining weeks. Regardless of record, players have been tasked with carrying the weight of a struggling season, expected to rise to the occasion week after week with determination and focus. With just one conference game left against the North Carolina Tar Heels, each athlete has a chance to make an impact that goes beyond individual stats or win-loss records.
NoleGameday Staff Score Predictions: Florida State Seminoles vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
As the Seminoles prepare to face a UNC team bolstered by a dynamic offense, their success may depend on the performances of key players like Azareye’h Thomas, Omar Graham Jr., and Jacob Rizy. Together, these three players embody both the heart and potential within Florida State’s program, and they’ll be crucial in a game that could set a positive tone for the program moving forward.
Prior to the start of the 2024 season, DB Azarey’h Thomas was the topic of discussion among beatwriters and national media pundits alike, all of whom were ready to label the experienced defensive back as “Florida State’s next great DB”. Following a sophomore campaign that saw Thomas record 29 tackles, 4.5 of which were TFLs, 0.5 sacks, 10 pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery and ranked 4th in the ACC for total pass deflections, those in and around the program expected him to take a monumental leap in his development in 2024. He would undoubtedly slot into a starting role for DC Adam Fuller’s defense, and that increased playing time was sure to provide him with the opportunity to unleash his full potential. For all intents and purposes, Thomas was poised for a breakout season.
Fast forward to November, and Florida State’s season is far below any pre-season expectations. The defending ACC Champions have 1-win to their name with just one conference matchup remaining on their schedule. Much like the hype for the overall team, the hype surrounding Thomas hasn’t been quite as loud, but that doesn’t mean he’s been a poor defender. In fact, the opposite has been true. Through eight weeks, Thomas is Florida State’s top-performing cornerback, having tallied 35 total tackles, 22 of which were solo tackles, 2 pass breakups, 1 TFL, 1 FF, and 5 quarterback pressures. Per PFF, the cornerback has been targeted a total of 17 times in over 200 snaps but has only given up 11 receptions for a total of 92 yards. Despite a poor season from the Florida State football team as a whole, Thomas is living up to the expectations, and he’s receiving NFL buzz as a result. NFL Analyst James Foster, writing for 33rdTeam, states, “Thomas is the best man coverage cornerback in this class.” Within his recent mock draft, Foster projected the 6’2”, 198-pound cornerback to be selected within the first round at the no. 14 overall slot, citing his youth, experience, and sheer skill set in single coverage as appealing qualities for NFL teams. With a handful of games left in the 2024 season, expect Thomas to continue his streak of strong performances as he looks to round out his film and bolster his draft stock.
The Seminoles will need Thomas to be just as reliable in pass defense come Saturday, as well. North Carolina’s offense, which ranks 27th in the nation for total yards per game, leans heavily on their passing attack. The Tar Heels average 251.6 passing yards per game and have notched 12 passing TDs over the course of the season, thus far. However, North Carolina’s offense suffered its biggest loss in the season opener wherein starting quarterback Max Johnson suffered a leg injury that has sidelined him for the entire year. In his place, HC Mack Brown has turned to Conner Harrell and Jacolby Criswell, the latter of which has secured the starting job as of late. Criswell, a 6’1”, 230-pound senior out of Arkansas, was on the UNC roster from 2020 through 2022 before transferring to Arkansas. He returned to UNC prior to the start of the 2024 season and currently boasts a total of 1,660 passing yards and 10 TDs with a completion rate of 57.1%. Despite being a veteran at the collegiate ranks, Criswell is rather inexperienced in games, with a total of 35 completions attributed to his name from 2020 to 2023. As such, the senior quarterback is guilty of turning the ball over, including a 2 INT performance against James Madison. That’s where FSU DB Thomas will come into play. The seasoned cornerback, along with his peers in the secondary, have the opportunity to showcase their experience in an effort to slow down and confuse the relatively inexperienced Criswell. If he and the rest of the ‘Noles can do so successfully, it stands a chance that Florida State can limit UNC’s scoring output enough to keep the game close. Look for Thomas to play a key role in both disrupting the UNC passing attack and pressuring the UNC quarterback.
Florida State’s linebackers have been the recipients of relentless criticism since before the 2024 campaign began. Poor performances from the Seminole defense through the early portions of the season only exacerbated those criticisms, with a very clear finger being pointed at the deficiencies of the linebacker corps. Sophomore LB Omar Graham Jr. is no stranger to criticism. Following the loss of DJ Lundy, Graham has watched on as fellow linebackers Justin Cryer, Blake Nichelson and Cam Riley have received praise for their improved play from week to week. Graham, meanwhile, has endured scrutiny, some warranted and some not. However, the sophomore linebacker pushed back against the narrative with a strong showing against the Miami Hurricanes last week. Graham Jr.’s effort against the ‘Canes was noticeable. He was flashing all over the field en route to a 4 tackle, 1 TFL, 1 sack, and 1 pass breakup performance. Graham was FSU’s highest graded defender, per PFF, with a score of 77.0 (in 46 snaps).
Graham’s most recent performance reflects the elevated play we’ve seen from the Florida State defense in recent weeks. The ‘Noles held Miami to their lowest scoring output, stifled the Duke offense, and kept the Clemson Tigers within striking distance (even when the offense was showing no signs of life). The linebackers, along with the interior defensive line, have made considerable strides in providing pressure in the backfield and slowing down opposing rushing attacks. Similar performances from Graham and his cohorts will be needed this weekend, especially against a Tar Heel rushing attack that ranks 34th in the country. With some confidence and the support of a home crowd behind him, look to see if Graham can build upon his performance from last week and provide DC Adam Fuller’s defense with a consistent presence at the second level of attack.
It’s not often that we talk about a non-skill position player in the “Three Players” to watch articles. But, when the team is 1-8 and everyone is struggling across the board, you’re open to trying new things. So, when editor-in-chief Dustin Lewis recommended that we talk about OL Jacob Rizy, no one batted an eye. With the offensive line struggling the way it is and plagued by the injury bug, new faces have begun to take over some prominent roles. Rizy, a newcomer prior to the start of the 2024 season, is one of those new faces. The 6’5, 303-pound offensive lineman played in 22 games for Harvard, earning all-conference honors twice and first team all-Ivy League in 2023. Following his 2023 campaign, however, the redshirt junior announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal. After receiving offers from Purdue, Tulane, Duke, UTSA, and Tulsa, Rizy ultimately decided to commit to Florida State in late-January. Since doing the ‘Noles, Rizy has appeared in a variety of roles along the offensive line. He made his first appearance during the 42-16 rout against SMU and earned a PFF grade of 64. However, the experienced lineman received his first start as a Seminole against the Miami Hurricanes, wherein he allowed three pressures. Following this week of practice, many expect to see Rizy continue to take on a prominent role in the trenches. Despite a few shaky outings thus far, look for the veteran lineman to find his footing as the recipient of increased playing time.
As Florida State gears up for their final conference showdown with North Carolina, the ‘Noles have the opportunity to close conference play on a high note. Despite facing setbacks and falling short of preseason expectations, standout players like Azareye’h Thomas, Omar Graham Jr., and Jacob Rizy exemplify the resilience seen across the roster. Their efforts highlight the strength and potential within the team, even amid adversity. Saturday’s matchup offers the Seminoles an opportunity to leverage recent improvements on both sides of the ball, showcase their competitive spirit, and build momentum as they look toward future seasons.
READ MORE: Tom Brady Names Former FSU Quarterback “Star Of The Week”
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• Game Preview: Florida State Seminoles vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
• Three Key Matchups For FSU Football’s Home Matchup Against North Carolina
• How To Watch Florida State vs. North Carolina: Kickoff Time, TV Channel, and Odds
• Jacob Rizy Recaps First Start At FSU: ‘I Just Really Wanted To Win’
Florida
Florida boy, 4, found dead in Alabama had no signs of assault, trauma as dad is busted on explosives charges
Heartbreaking new details have emerged in the case of the missing Florida boy who was found dead next to his dog as his father faces charges for allegedly making explosives.
Johnathan Boley, 4, did not show any signs of “trauma or assault type injuries” after officials performed an autopsy on Monday morning — three days after the heartbreaking discovery, according to Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith.
A cause of death has not been released as officials await the results of further tests, WBRC reported.
Boley, known by his family as “John John,” was discovered partly in a body of water by a group of volunteers who were searching the wooded area in Jasper, Ala. — two miles from where the boy vanished.
The child, who was visiting his father for the holidays, was last seen playing in the yard with his older brother and their mixed lab pup Buck just before noon on New Year’s Eve.
Boley’s elder sibling said his brother and the Buck had walked across the property line. Jameson Kyle Boley reported his son missing an hour later.
The little tyke, who lived with his mother in Florida after his parents separated, was discovered just before 1 p.m. Friday.
Buck, the loyal pooch, was found alive and next to Boley’s body.
Volunteers were “shook up” when they found Boley after the days-long search.
“You know, obviously you come out to do a good deed and when you get our there, you may have thought that you have fully prepared yourself for what you might come across,” Smith said. “Obviously, they were shaken up.”
Officials also discovered explosive materials inside and around the elder Boley’s home. The discovery of the potentially dangerous materials forced officials to cancel a ground search in the area.
Methamphetamines were also discovered inside the home.
Officials found “evidence that they have had some type of bomb type materials and that have exploded on the property.”
Boley, 40, was arrested and charged with unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device and two counts of chemical endangerment of a child.
He was transported to Blount County jail to “keep him separated from the county and people he may know in the jail,” Smith said.
After “John John’s” body was recovered, family members were permitted to go to Blount County and share the devastating news with the jailed father.
“I arranged with the sheriff of Blount County to let the family go make that notification in person,” Smith said.
What if a state program were bleeding billions of taxpayer dollars, providing funds to nearly anyone who applied, with minimal oversight?
Fiscal conservatives would demand immediate intervention. They would call for rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, insist on accountability from those in power, and demand swift action to protect public money.
While much public attention has focused on charter school expansion, including Schools of Hope, this discussion concerns a different program altogether: Florida’s rapidly expanding, taxpayer-funded voucher program.
That program, particularly the unchecked growth of the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), now allows public dollars to fund private school and homeschool education on an unprecedented scale.
State officials tout a budget surplus, but independent analysts project that an additional $4–5 billion in annual voucher spending will lead to an imminent budget deficit.
The findings of a recent independent audit of FES are alarming. It examined what happens to these public funds and whether they truly “follow the child,” as Floridians were repeatedly promised.
They did not.
The auditor general was blunt: “Whatever can go wrong with this system has gone wrong.”
The audit raises more questions than answers:
— Why would state legislators steer a previously healthy state budget toward a projected deficit?
— Why is the state unable to account for roughly 30,000 students — representing approximately $270 million in taxpayer dollars — on any given day?
— And why is voucher spending deliberately obscured from public scrutiny by burying it in the public-school funding formula?
According to auditors, Florida’s voucher program has grown faster than the state’s ability to manage it. They identified gaps in real-time tracking, limited verification of eligibility and enrollment, and financial controls that have failed to keep pace with explosive growth.
These are not minor administrative errors; they are flashing warning lights.
Waste, fraud, and abuse are not partisan concerns; they are fiscal ones. Any government program that cannot clearly show where public dollars are or whether they are used appropriately represents a failure of the Legislature’s duty to safeguard taxpayer funds.
It is also important to be honest about what voucher growth truly represents. Despite frequent claims of a mass exodus from public schools, data show that roughly 70%of voucher recipients in recent years were not previously enrolled in public schools.
This is not a story of families fleeing public education. It is a story of public dollars being quietly redirected away from it.
That distinction matters because Florida’s public School Districts remain subject to strict accountability standards that do not apply to private or homeschool programs that receive voucher funds. Public schools must administer state assessments, publish performance data, comply with open-records laws, and undergo regular financial audits.
Public education across Florida is not stagnant. School Districts are actively innovating while serving as responsible stewards of public dollars by expanding career pathways, strengthening partnerships with local employers and higher education, and adapting to an increasingly complex choice landscape. When Districts are supported by stable policy and predictable funding, they lead.
But choice only works when transparency and quality accompany it. If state dollars support a student’s education, those dollars should be accompanied by state-level accountability, including meaningful oversight and participation in statewide assessments.
State dollars should meet state standards.
The audit also makes clear that technical fixes alone are insufficient. As long as voucher funding remains intertwined with public school funding formulas, billions of dollars in voucher spending will remain obscured from public scrutiny. The program must stand on its own.
Florida’s fiscally conservative Senators recognized this reality when they introduced SB318, a bipartisan bill to implement the auditor general’s recommendations and bring transparency and fiscal responsibility to school choice. The House must now follow suit.
Families like mine value school choice. But without meaningful reform, the current system is not financially sustainable.
Fiscal responsibility and educational opportunity are not competing values. Floridians must insist on both.
___
Liz Barker is a Sarasota County School Board member.
Bolstered by more than 300 Falcon 9 rocket launches — primarily from Florida’s Space Coast — SpaceX’s 9,000-plus Starlink high-speed internet satellites now serve more than 9 million customers in more than 155 countries and markets, the company reported last week.
Now, the burgeoning Starlink constellation is slated to expand again. SpaceX is targeting Thursday, Jan. 8, for an afternoon Falcon 9 liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Launch window: 1:29 p.m. to 5:29 p.m.
The rocket will deploy 29 Starlink satellites in low-Earth orbit. Similarly, the Falcon 9 first-stage booster should wrap up its 29th mission by landing aboard the SpaceX drone ship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean, hundreds of miles southeast of the Cape.
FLORIDA TODAY Space Team live coverage of Thursday’s Starlink 6-96 mission will kick off roughly 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space.
The first launch of 2026 from Florida’s Space Coast took flight at 1:48 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 4. That’s when a Falcon 9 lifted off from the Space Force installation, then deployed a batch of 29 Starlink satellites.
What’s more, SpaceX has another Starlink mission in store this upcoming weekend. More details:
- Launch window: 1:34 p.m. to 5:34 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10.
- Trajectory: Southeast.
- Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- Sonic booms: No.
In a 2025 progress report, Starlink officials reported crews equipped more than 1,400 commercial aircraft with Starlink antennae last year. That represents nearly four times the number of aircraft outfitted during 2024.
More than 21 million passengers experienced Starlink’s “at-home-like internet” last year aboard United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JSX, WestJet, Qatar Airways, Air France, Emirates, Air New Zealand and airBaltic flights, per the report.
For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter.
Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY, where he has covered news since 2004. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1
Space is important to us and that’s why we’re working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.
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