Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy first non-foolish day of April, Seminole!

There’s a number of football recruits on campus today, we hired a new coach, and got two showdowns on the diamond.

Let's get into the highlights:

🥎 Seminoles Set for Midweek Showdown with McNeese 🌟 The No. 18 FSU softball team is poised for a thrilling midweek series against McNeese, showcasing their recent dominant form and aiming to stretch their win streak under the lights at JoAnne Graf Field.

🍢 Seminoles Set for Mid-Week Showdowns at Howser 🌟 After clinching their second ACC series win, the No. 14 FSU baseball team prepares for back-to-back midweek games against Jacksonville and Bethune-Cookman, eager to keep their winning momentum alive.

🍢 Ernie Sims III: A Seminole Great Returns Home 🌟 FSU football welcomes back Ernie Sims III, a Seminole legend and former NFL linebacker, as a defensive analyst, adding a wealth of experience and Seminole pride to Coach Norvell's staff.

🍢 Seminoles Host Talent-Rich Practice Day 🌟 An array of highly touted prospects and potential future Seminoles visited FSU for a special practice day, showcasing the program's appeal to top-tier talent.

🏈 Five-Star WR Devin Carter Revisits FSU: A Legacy's Return 🌟 Devin Carter, a legacy and five-star wide receiver, revisited FSU, emphasizing the Seminoles' keen interest in making him a cornerstone of their future.

🏈 Four-Star TE Andrew Olesh Impressed by FSU Welcome 🌟 Andrew Olesh, a top tight end prospect, received a memorable welcome on his first visit to FSU, leaving a lasting impression and solidifying FSU among his top considerations.

🥎 Seminoles Set for Midweek Showdown with McNeese 🌟

The No. 18 Florida State softball team gears up for a pivotal midweek series against the McNeese Cowgirls, aiming to extend their winning streak at JoAnne Graf Field, with both games slated for prime time on the ACC Network.

🚀 Noles Gaining Momentum:

With a streak of six consecutive wins, FSU's softball team is demonstrating formidable strength, notably outscoring opponents 64-21 and averaging over 10 runs per game.

This surge of offensive power has the Seminoles in a prime position in the ACC standings, ready to challenge the visiting Cowgirls.

⚾ Sisterly Rivalry on the Field:

An intriguing subplot to the series is the family duel between Isa Torres of FSU and her sister Mariana Torres of McNeese.

🏅 Torres' Clutch Performances:

Freshman Isa Torres has emerged as a pivotal player for the Seminoles, delivering in clutch moments with two walk-off hits this season.

Her standout performance against NC State highlights her potential as a game-changing athlete for FSU.

🔥 Freshman Phenoms Shine:

FSU's freshman class, ranked No. 3 nationally, is making a significant impact, with Jaysoni Beachum and Isa Torres leading the team in batting averages.

The contributions of these young talents are vital to FSU's impressive run, demonstrating the depth and future promise of the team.

👀 Youth Leads in the Circle:

The Seminoles' pitching staff faces a new challenge with a young roster taking the helm.

Freshmen Ashtyn Danley and Mimi Gooden have become central figures in the circle, showcasing the depth and potential of FSU's pitching resources.

🏆 Coach Alameda Nears Milestone:

Head Coach Lonni Alameda is on the cusp of her 900th career win, a testament to her leadership and the program's sustained excellence.

📈 Offensive Powerhouse:

FSU's offense has been explosive, especially against Pitt, where the team scored 40 runs in a three-game series, setting a record for most runs in an ACC series.

🍢 Seminoles Set for Mid-Week Showdowns at Howser 🌟

Following a successful ACC series, the No. 14 Florida State baseball team is gearing up for consecutive midweek clashes against Jacksonville and Bethune-Cookman, aiming to extend their winning momentum.

🚀 Tuesday's Duel with Jacksonville:

The Seminoles welcome Jacksonville for a Tuesday evening game, featuring a pitching matchup of FSU's LHP Brady Louck against JU's RHP Blake Barquin.

With a history of tight competition, including FSU's come-from-behind victory earlier this season, this game promises to be an engaging encounter.

⚾ Wednesday Welcomes Bethune-Cookman:

Bethune-Cookman returns to Howser Stadium on Wednesday, marking their first visit since a decisive Seminole victory last year.

FSU aims to maintain their perfect record against the Wildcats in what has become a keenly contested series.

🏅 Looking Back on Recent Encounters:

The Seminoles have a history of success against both teams, with a notable victory on the road against Jacksonville and a dominant performance against Bethune-Cookman last season.

These upcoming games offer FSU an opportunity to showcase their strength and depth.

🔥 Promotions and Sponsors Enhance the Experience:

Tuesday's game against Jacksonville will feature "$2 Tuesday's" promotions, offering fans discounted tickets and select concessions, sponsored by the Florida Lottery.

🍢 Ernie Sims III: A Seminole Great Returns Home 🌟

The Florida State football family is welcoming back one of its own, as Ernie Sims III, a celebrated All-America linebacker and first-round NFL draft pick, steps into the role of a defensive analyst under Coach Mike Norvell.

🚀 Sims' Seminole Legacy:

Sims, a Tallahassee native who carved out an illustrious career at Florida State before making his mark in the NFL, has been a familiar face at FSU practices this spring.

His official appointment brings a wealth of experience and Seminole pride back into the fold.

⚾ Norvell's Enthusiastic Welcome:

Coach Mike Norvell expressed his excitement about Sims' return, highlighting his exceptional career as both a player at FSU and in the professional ranks.

Norvell anticipates Sims' influence will extend beyond the field, benefiting both current and future Seminoles.

🏅 Sims' Coaching Journey:

Following his eight-season tenure in the NFL, Sims transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant strength and conditioning coordinator at Florida Atlantic University.

His coaching career has since seen him ascend from quality control to linebackers coach and even interim defensive coordinator during his time with the USF Bulls.

🔥 Returning to His Roots:

Sims' move to FSU after a season with the UCF Knights as linebackers coach marks a full-circle moment.

Emphasizing the significance of Tallahassee and FSU in his life, Sims is eager to contribute to the program that played a pivotal role in his development.

👀 A Legacy of Excellence:

During his tenure as a Seminole, Sims left an indelible mark with 200 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and seven sacks over three seasons.

His accolades include being named to ESPN’s All-America First Team and being a top-10 NFL Draft pick by the Detroit Lions in 2006.

📈 A Family Tradition:

Sims continues a family legacy at FSU, where both his parents were student-athletes.

His return to complete his bachelor’s degree in 2018 and his commitment to the Seminole community exemplify the lasting bond between Sims and FSU.

🍢 Seminoles Host Talent-Rich Practice Day 🌟

Florida State University is rolling out the garnet and gold carpet for an impressive roster of visiting prospects, making Tuesday's practice a showcase of potential future Seminoles.

🚀 Featured Prospects on FSU's Radar:

• WR CJ Wiley: The 6-foot-4 standout from Alpharetta (Ga.) brings a four-star ranking and a rich offer list, highlighting FSU among his top considerations.

• WR Daylyn Upshaw: Hailing from Phenix City (Ala.), Upshaw's three-star talent and productive 2023 season have caught FSU's eye.

⚾ Tight End Targets:

• Brock Schott: This four-star talent from Leo (Ind.) demonstrates FSU's desire to strengthen its tight end roster with his impressive dual-threat capabilities.

• Preston Douglas: An emerging talent from North Palm Beach (Fla.), Douglas's visit could spark FSU's interest in offering.

🏅 In the Trenches and Beyond:

• OL Peyton Joseph: Committed to Florida, Joseph's visit signals FSU's ongoing efforts to bolster their interior line.

• CB Gavin Jenkins: The 6-foot-2 defender showcases the Seminoles' commitment to reinforcing their secondary.

🔥 Spotlight on Youthful Prospects:

FSU's practice will also serve as a platform for younger talent, emphasizing the program's long-term recruiting strategy.

• 2026 Prospects: Wide receivers Jordon Gidron and Ryan Mosley, along with linemen Max Merz and edge defender Tristan Lyles, represent FSU's early outreach efforts.

• 2027 Prospect: ATH Ja'bios Smith, a versatile player from Swainsboro (Ga.), underlines FSU's forward-looking recruitment approach.

🏈 Five-Star WR Devin Carter Revisits FSU: A Legacy's Return 🌟

Ellenwood (Ga.) Cedar Grove's five-star wide receiver Devin Carter, a legacy of Florida State, made a significant return to Tallahassee on Monday.

This visit marked his first since retracting his FSU commitment earlier in the year, underscoring the evolving dynamics of his recruitment.

🚀 Reaffirming FSU's Commitment:

Carter's recent visit was enveloped in FSU's concerted efforts to underline his paramount importance to the Seminoles.

"They made it an emphasis that I am important to them... I felt important today," Carter reflected on his experience, highlighting the personalized attention FSU devoted to reaffirming their interest.

⚾ A Legacy Contemplates His Future:

Devin Carter isn't just any recruit; he's a legacy. His father, Dexter Carter, left his mark on FSU before embarking on an NFL journey.

This heritage makes Devin's recruitment not just a matter of talent but also of familial and emotional ties.

🏅 Reflecting on a Reconsidered Commitment:

Devin originally pledged allegiance to FSU in April 2023 but stepped back in January to reassess his options and slow down the recruiting process.

Despite this pause, FSU remains a top contender for his commitment, illustrating the fluid nature of college football recruitment.

🔥 A Personalized FSU Experience:

FSU's approach to welcoming Carter back was nothing short of remarkable.

From a collective greeting to one-on-one meetings with key coaches, FSU left no stone unturned in demonstrating Carter's critical role in their vision for the future.

👀 Looking Ahead:

With a discreet list of standout schools, Carter is methodically navigating his recruitment journey.

He anticipates narrowing down his options soon, with FSU firmly in the mix. His next steps include potential visits to FSU's spring game or a summer camp, emphasizing the importance of experiencing the coaching staff's mentorship firsthand.

🏈 Four-Star TE Andrew Olesh Impressed by FSU Welcome 🌟

Four-star tight end Andrew Olesh from Pennsylvania made his inaugural visit to Florida State on Monday, leaving with a lasting first impression.

The warm welcome orchestrated by Head Coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles' coaching staff marked a significant moment in Olesh's recruitment journey.

🚀 A Memorable Greeting:

Upon his arrival, Olesh was greeted personally by Norvell in the parking lot, an uncommon gesture that deeply resonated with the recruit.

"Great, definitely a great atmosphere coming in … That’s the first time that’s happened to me,” Olesh shared, underscoring the unique welcome FSU extended.

⚾ Building Relationships:

The offer from FSU three weeks ago took Olesh by surprise, kickstarting a burgeoning relationship with tight ends coach Chris Thomsen.

Their developing rapport and Thomsen's regular check-ins have laid the groundwork for a strengthened connection moving forward.

🏅 Insights into FSU's Tight End Usage:

During meetings, Coach Thomsen illustrated how FSU utilizes their tight ends, showcasing his expertise and the program's strategy.

This insight provided Olesh with a glimpse into the potential role he could play within the Seminoles' offense.

🔥 FSU Among Top Considerations:

While Olesh's recruitment remains open, with several elite programs vying for his commitment, FSU has solidified its position among his top choices.

"They are definitely now in my top [schools] now that I’ve been here and seen everything,” Olesh stated, highlighting FSU's impactful visit.

👀 What's Next?:

With official visits yet to be scheduled, Olesh's recruitment journey continues. The visit to FSU, however, has undoubtedly left a mark, positioning the Seminoles as a strong contender for his commitment.

As Olesh explores his options, FSU's initial impression may play a pivotal role in his decision-making process.

And that’s a wrap!

We hope you enjoyed the insights and updates from around Florida State athletics and the recruiting trail.

Keep your Garnet and Gold spirit high as we look forward to bringing you more exciting news in the next edition tomorrow.

Go Noles!