Brevard Native, Florida’s All-Time Leading College Rusher Earns Mini Camp Invite from New York Giants

Tay Farmer Becomes First Player From St. Thomas University to Earn Minicamp Invite

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Rontavious “Tay” Farmer played at Heritage and Cocoa before his legendary career at St. Thomas University, and he has become the first football player from St. Thomas to earn a mini-camp invite.

After the draft concluded on Saturday, Farmer had not heard his name called, but he waited patiently, still hopeful for an opportunity.

On Sunday, April 27, he got that call as the New York Giants invited him to their 2025 Minicamp. Farmer had a legendary career at NAIA St. Thomas University, and Farmer became Florida’s all-time leading rusher in collegiate history.

With the minicamp invite from the New York Giants, Farmer becomes the first player from St. Thomas University to earn an NFL minicamp invite.

During his time with the Bobcats, he was named an NAIA All-American, leading the nation in rushing for three consecutive seasons. He accumulated over 1,500 yards in each of those seasons and over 5,000 yards for his career.

Farmer has already defied the odds and has shown in the past to overcome adversity, and will look to do it again for the New York Giants. Nonetheless, he will gain valuable experience as he continues to work towards making an NFL roster.

ABOVE VIDEO: ‘The Zane Report’ Podcast Debut with Former Cocoa Tiger Tay Farmer Interview Ahead of NFL Draft.

While some may have doubted Tay Farmer’s abilities, his belief in himself is undeniable!

The 5’9”, 190-pound running back from Palm Bay, Florida, made major waves this past fall by becoming the all-time leading rusher in Florida college football history. And now? He’s got his sights set on something even more significant: becoming the first-ever NFL draft pick from St. Thomas University.

Let’s be real — NAIA schools like St. Thomas don’t always get the spotlight. But Tay didn’t let that stop him. He used his four years there to grind and shine, putting up over 1,500 rushing yards for three straight seasons. Talk about consistency.

He’s shown he’s got the skills, the heart, and the hustle to make an impact at the next level. Tay credits that relentless work ethic to his parents — especially his late father, who always pushed him to chase greatness.

But this story starts before college. Tay first made a name for himself at Heritage High School, then finished strong at Cocoa High his senior year.

His mix of speed, strength, and insane footwork caught the attention of St. Thomas, and from there, he took off. By just his second college game as a freshman, he felt like he belonged. Then, in his sophomore year, he really broke out — earning SUN Conference Player of the Year and NAIA All-American honors.

Tay wasn’t done. As a junior, he leveled up again, scoring more touchdowns and leading the Bobcats to an impressive 9-2 season. But his senior year? Legendary. He hit 5,000 career rushing yards, becoming the first player in Florida college history to do so.

At St. Thomas University, Farmer’s performance was remarkable. In 2021, he earned Second Team All-Conference honors, was named Offensive Player of the Week on September 13, rushed for 729 yards, averaged 7.1 yards per carry, and scored seven touchdowns.

Over his collegiate career, Farmer has become the all-time rushing leader in Florida college football, surpassing notable players like Dalvin Cook and Marques Burgess. As of October 2024, he had accumulated 4,955 career rushing yards, and he aspires to surpass the 5,000-yard mark.

Tay Farmer’s story isn’t just about records and stats — it’s about believing in yourself when no one else does. And if the NFL gives him a shot? Watch out.

ABOUT ZANE GARCIA

Space Coast native and Eastern Florida State College journalism student Zane Garcia has joined the Space Coast Day–Friday Night Locker Room team.

Garcia grew up in Rockledge and attended Andersen Elementary and Kennedy Middle before becoming a Rockledge Raider. After moving to Melbourne, he attended Eau Gallie High School, graduating in 2019.

As a youth, Garcia excelled in many sports and played basketball in middle school and all four years of high school, including at Rockledge and Eau Gallie high schools.

“My passion for sports was sparked at a young age, and I look forward to bringing exciting play-by-play action, expert analysis, and highlighting the players and coaches that make sports on the Space Coast special,” said Garcia.

Garcia joins the veteran and expert Space Coast Daily–Friday Night Locker Room team that includes Space Coast Sports Hall of Famers Steve Wilson and Orville Susong of the Friday Night Locker Room, Tom Palermo, Jim Palermo, Giles Malone, Zach Clark, Terry Spain, JC Meyerholz, Matt O’Hern, Gavin Keith, Bobby Freeman and Brian Dillon.

The Space Coast Daily–Friday Night Locker Room principals and broadcast team have over 100 years of experience covering sports in Brevard County and beyond.

Garcia said he looks forward to providing live sports broadcasts featuring cutting-edge coverage on the streaming Space Coast Daily TV, along with player interviews, replays, highlights, pregame and postgame analysis, and more!

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