🏹 August 10th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Metraux's Olympic push to mid-camp insights

Author

The Chief
August 10, 2024

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Saturday, Seminole!

The 2nd scrimmage of the preseason is today and we’re nearing the end of Olympic action.

Here’s the docket:

⛳️ Metraux Tied for First as Final Round Looms: FSU alum Morgane Metraux is tied for first at the Olympic Women’s Golf Tournament after a clutch eagle on the final hole.

🏆 Smith & Morlock Earn Prestigious Award Watchlist Honors: FSU football standouts Maurice Smith and Kyle Morlock are recognized on major preseason award watchlists.

🏐 Mewhirter Joins FSU Beach Volleyball as Assistant Coach: Seasoned pro Travis Mewhirter joins FSU Beach Volleyball’s coaching staff.

🏀 Women’s Basketball Non-Conference Schedule Announced: FSU reveals its 2024-25 non-conference opponents.

⚾️ Summer Standouts: FSU baseball players shine in summer leagues, with strong performances across the board.

🏈 FSU in Contention for Four-Star RB Louis: FSU battles for top RB recruit Byron Louis, with a decision expected soon.

🏈 Top College Football Recruits Set to Announce: Five high-profile recruits are set to reveal their commitments, with FSU in the mix.

🏈 Mid-Preseason Check-In: 13 Takeaways from FSU's Camp: With camp halfway through, we review key insights on FSU’s roster, strengths, and areas of concern.

⛳️ Metraux Tied for First as Final Round Looms at Olympic Golf Championship 🥇

Morgane Metraux, a former FSU All-American representing Switzerland, delivered an impressive performance on Friday, eagling the final hole to tie for first place heading into Saturday's final round of the Olympic Women’s Golf Tournament.

With a three-round total of 9-under 207, Metraux shares the lead with Lydia Ko of New Zealand. Despite a challenging round, Metraux stayed patient, keeping her focus to make a crucial eagle that brought her back to the top of the leaderboard.

“I stayed patient today,” Metraux said, emphasizing her focus on her own game despite the challenging course. She made key shots, including a crucial eagle on the 18th, to keep herself in contention for a medal.

Metraux will tee off in the final group at 6:39 a.m. (ET) alongside Ko and Rose Zhang of the United States. The final round will be aired on Golf Channel, starting at 3 a.m. (ET).

Olympic Women's Golf TV Schedule:

  • Saturday, August 10: 3 a.m. - End of Round (Golf Channel)

🏆 FSU's Maurice Smith and Kyle Morlock Earn Prestigious Award Watchlist Honors 🌟

Redshirt senior offensive lineman Maurice Smith has been named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List, which honors the nation's top center. Smith, a preseason All-ACC selection, has started 41 of his 45 career games and was instrumental in FSU's 2023 ACC title run.

Tight end Kyle Morlock, also a redshirt senior, secured a spot on the Mackey Award Watch List, recognizing the nation’s best tight end. Morlock, a transfer from Shorter College, made significant contributions in his first season with the Seminoles.

Both players join the ranks of past FSU greats, with Smith following in the footsteps of Bryan Stork, who won the Rimington Trophy in 2013, and Morlock aiming to replicate Nick O'Leary's Mackey Award win in 2014.

🏐 Travis Mewhirter Joins FSU Beach Volleyball as Assistant Coach 🌊

Florida State Beach Volleyball has added seasoned professional beach volleyball player Travis Mewhirter as an assistant coach, head coach Brooke Niles announced Wednesday.

Mewhirter, who began his beach volleyball career in 2015, has secured top-five finishes in AVP Tournaments and earned four medals in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour representing the U.S.

Mewhirter, a University of Maryland journalism graduate, brings a unique blend of professional playing experience and journalism expertise to FSU’s program.

🏀 FSU Women's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule Announced 📅

Florida State has revealed its 2024-25 women's basketball non-conference schedule, featuring 12 games, including seven at home in the Donald L. Tucker Center.

Key matchups include a showdown with Tennessee in the SEC/ACC Women's Challenge on Dec. 4, and participation in the Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands against Texas Tech, Missouri State, and Gonzaga. FSU opens the season on Nov. 4 against North Florida and faces in-state rival Florida on Nov. 22.

⚾️ FSU Baseball's Summer Standouts: Cape Cod League and Beyond 🌟

Florida State baseball players had a productive summer across various leagues, with several making notable impacts.

Cape Cod League Highlights

  • John Abraham (Bourne Braves): 6 games, 14 strikeouts, 1.00 WHIP.

  • Jacob Marlowe (Brewster Whitecaps): 18.1 IP, 2.95 ERA, strong comeback after surgeries.

  • Drew Faurot (Brewster Whitecaps): Cape League All-Star, .263 AVG, 3 HR.

Northwoods League Standouts

  • Brody DeLamielleure (Mankato Moondogs): .343 AVG, 16 doubles, 3 HR.

  • Cal Fisher (Madison Mallards): .278 AVG, .416 OBP, 3 HR.

Valley Baseball League

  • Hudson Rowan (Wareham Gatemen): Strong return with impressive strikeout numbers.

NECBL

  • Andrew Duncan (Newport Gulls): .286 AVG, 11 SB, strong playoff performance.

Coastal Plain League

  • Gage Harrelson (Macon Bacon): .328 AVG, 10 SB, .431 OBP.

FSU players showcased their skills across various leagues, with several making significant impacts that bode well for the upcoming season.

🏈 FSU in Contention for Four-Star RB Byron Louis 🌟

Recruitment Update Florida State is in the running for Byron Louis, a four-star running back from American Heritage, who is nearing his college decision. Louis, who could commit as early as September, is considering FSU, Miami, Georgia, and Wisconsin.

FSU’s Appeal Louis has been impressed by FSU’s coaching staff, particularly Coach David Johnson, and appreciates the genuine relationships being built. He’s also drawn to FSU’s focus on the running game, with its two-back formations and emphasis on player development.

Competition While FSU is well-positioned, Miami remains a strong competitor.

🏈 Top College Football Recruits Set to Announce Commitments In The Coming Days 🏆

Josh Petty (OT)

  • Decision Date: Monday

  • Finalists: Florida State, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Tennessee, Stanford

  • Prediction: Georgia Tech

Jontae Gilbert (CB)

  • Decision Date: Saturday

  • Finalists: Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, NC State, UCF

  • Prediction: Georgia

Nathan Tilmon (S)

  • Decision Date: Saturday

  • Finalists: SMU, TCU, Texas, Utah

  • Prediction: Utah

Harold Duvall (ATH)

  • Decision Date: Saturday

  • Finalists: Arizona, Colorado State, Fresno State, Nevada, Washington

  • Prediction: Fresno State

Carterrious Brown (WR)

  • Decision Date: Sunday

  • Finalists: Baylor, Colorado State, TCU, Texas, Utah

  • Prediction: SMU

Hopefully we will be surprised by Josh Petty but the latest word is he wants to stay close to home.

🏈 Mid-Preseason Check-In: 13 Takeaways from FSU's Camp 🏋️

With 13 practices completed and the second scrimmage set for Saturday, we're at the halfway point of FSU's preseason camp. Here are 13 key takeaways:

1) DJ Uiagalelei is QB1: DJ Uiagalelei has solidified his position as FSU's starting quarterback. Despite some early competition from Brock Glenn, Uiagalelei’s consistency, experience, and the offensive system built around him make him the clear leader.

2) Run Game Looks Strong: FSU's running back room is deep and versatile, with Roydell Williams showing his ability to be a steady between-the-tackles back. The group’s diversity in skill sets, from speedsters like Jaylin Lucas to powerful runners like Kam Davis, suggests a high floor for the rushing attack this season.

3) Darius Washington Has Leveled Up: Darius Washington, already a First-Team All-ACC honoree, has taken another step in his development. His improved performance in camp, particularly in run blocking and pass protection, bodes well for FSU's offensive line.

4) OL Depth Is the Best in Years: The offensive line has depth and experience, a significant improvement from previous years. With key players returning from injury and strong performances from backups, FSU is better equipped to handle the challenges of the season.

5) WR Consistency Outside of Benson Is a Concern: While Malik Benson is a reliable target, the rest of the receiving corps needs to show more consistency. Young players like Jalen Brown and Elijah Moore have potential but must step up to support Uiagalelei in the passing game.

6) Top-Tier CB Duo: Azareye'h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress are forming one of the best cornerback tandems in the ACC, if not the country. Their consistency and ability to bounce back from setbacks are standout qualities in FSU's secondary.

7) Shyheim Brown All-American Potential: Shyheim Brown has emerged as a leader in the secondary, showing significant growth in his game. His physicality and improved coverage skills make him a potential All-American candidate.

8) Linebacker Concerns Eased: The linebacker unit, initially a concern, has shown promise in camp. With DJ Lundy’s reliability and the addition of Cam Riley, the group has depth and versatility, reducing worries about this position.

9) Special Teams Look Promising: FSU's special teams unit is poised for success, with standout performers like punter Alex Mastromanno and returner Jaylin Lucas. The unit's overall athleticism and depth could make it one of the team’s strengths.

10) Third-Down Defense Should Be Strong: FSU's defense, particularly on third downs, looks formidable. The combination of a strong pass rush and a talented secondary should make it difficult for opposing offenses to sustain drives.

11) DB Depth Relies on Underclassmen: While the secondary’s depth depends on younger players, they’ve shown enough promise in camp to inspire confidence. Players like Edwin Joseph and Earl Little Jr. are stepping up to contribute.

12) Tight Ends Exceed Expectations: The tight end group, led by Kyle Morlock, has shown improvement, especially in blocking. While their pass-catching consistency still needs work, they’re shaping up to be a solid unit.

13) Gifted Freshmen: Several freshmen have shown the potential to contribute this season. Players like Elijah Moore, Kam Davis, and Amaree Williams have the talent to make an impact, whether on special teams or in rotational roles.

And that’s a wrap!

As the final round of the Olympic Women's Golf Championship approaches, Morgane Metraux stands at the top, while Maurice Smith and Kyle Morlock are set for standout seasons with prestigious watchlist honors.

The Seminoles’ camp reveals a clear QB1, strong defensive potential, and depth across the board.

Stay tuned as we approach game day and the excitement continues to build.

Go Noles!

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