🏹 August 11th - The Chief Brief 🏹

From Scrimmage Sparks to Recruiting Targets — FSU’s Fall Focus

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Monday, Seminole! Here’s your recap of Sunday news out of Tallahassee:

🏟️ Second Scrimmage Standouts 🏟️
Norvell’s second preseason scrimmage brought big plays from Squirrel White, praise for freshman CB Shamar Arnoux, and a bounce-back from QB Tommy Castellanos after an early INT.

🎯 FSU’s In-Season Recruiting Priorities 🎯
With 22 commits in 2026, the ‘Noles focus on flipping top-100 DL, OT, and LB prospects — a strong opener could seal the deal.

🏃‍♂️ FSU’s Multi-Sport Recruiting Edge 🏀
Track stars, hoopers, and wrestlers headline a class built for more than football — and for explosive playmaking on Saturdays.

💎 10 Noles With Game-Changing Traits 💎
From Darrell Jackson’s rare size-speed combo to Duce Robinson’s mismatch potential, these players could tilt FSU’s season.

🏈 NFL Preseason Noles Recap 🏈
Jameis Winston, Trey Benson, and Jammie Robinson made noise in Week 1 — key reps in the battle for roster spots.

💪 George Henshaw on FSU’s Fresh Start 💪
The former coach breaks down building toughness, why Alabama is the perfect test, and how Norvell’s new staff sets a different tone.

🏀 Robert McCray’s Seminole Debut 🏀
The Jacksonville transfer and former FSU opponent brings scoring punch and leadership to Luke Loucks’ first season.

Let’s dive in 👇️ 

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🏟️ Second Scrimmage Standouts 🏟️

Florida State wrapped up its second preseason scrimmage Sunday evening at Doak Campbell Stadium after a three-day minicamp in Jacksonville, and Mike Norvell had plenty to say.

🔥 Key Moments

  • Freshman CB Jeremiah Wilson picked off Thomas Castellanos early, but the QB responded with two touchdown drives on his next possessions.

  • Squirrel White shined with big passing plays that energized the offense.

  • Norvell praised the progress of the young WR group, the depth in the RB room, and the way the first-team OL is meshing.

  • James Williams continues to evolve on the defensive line, earning special mention alongside several other DL standouts.

  • Freshman CB Shamar Arnoux drew high praise for his early impact.

💡 Why It Matters
Two weeks into camp, Norvell sees a clear team identity forming — with young talent stepping up in key moments.

👉 See Norvell’s full breakdown of the scrimmage and player performances here and here.

🎯 FSU’s In-Season Recruiting Priorities 🎯

With 22 commits already in the 2026 class, Florida State enters the fall focused on a few key position groups — all while chasing a potential top-15 finish.

💪 Defensive Line (DE, Jack)

  • Top targets: 4⭐ Trenton Henderson (LSU commit) and 4⭐ Asharri Charles (Miami commit), with Charles set for an Aug. 30 official visit.

  • Other names to watch: Jarius Rodgers (Syracuse commit, top of the board), Kamron Wilson, and Chris Carbin (Georgia Tech commit, Jack position).

🛡️ Offensive Tackle

  • With 4⭐ Da’Ron Parks committed, the focus turns to adding 1–2 more tackles.

  • Priority targets: 3⭐ Aaron Thomas and 4⭐ Johnnie Jones.

  • Possible pushes: 4⭐ Kamari Blair and 4⭐ Wilson Zierer.

🦅 Linebacker

  • Top priority: 4⭐ DQ Forkpa, who’s expected to visit FSU multiple times this fall.

  • Close behind: 4⭐ Izayia Williams (Ole Miss commit, former FSU pledge) and 4⭐ Rodney Colton.

Why It Matters: A strong season opener could help FSU flip multiple top-100 prospects at positions of need.

🏃‍♂️ FSU’s 2026 Class: Built for More Than Football 🏀

A staggering 88% of NFL first-round picks from 2008–2017 were multi-sport athletes in high school — and Florida State is clearly following the same formula with its 2026 recruiting class.

🔥 Track & Field Speedsters

  • 5⭐ CB Chauncey Kennon: District qualifier in high jump and long jump; bests include 11.08 (100m) and 21.85 (200m).

  • 4⭐ WR Devin Carter: 10.95 (100m), 5-10 HJ, 21-2.5 LJ.

  • 4⭐ DB Jay Timmons: 10.90 (100m), 44-6 triple jump.

  • 4⭐ WR Brandon Bennett: 3× state qualifier (100m), 2× (200m); 10.40 (100m) and 21.06 (200m).

  • 4⭐ ATH Efrem White: State qualifier in 110 hurdles (14.36); also 22.57 (200m).

  • 3⭐ DL Tico Crittendon: Shot put 40' 5.5", discus 112' 11".

  • 3⭐ DB Darryll Bell III: 11.45 (100m), 38-10.5 shot put.

  • 3⭐ WR Darryon Williams: 10.75 (100m).

🏀 Hoops Standouts

  • 4⭐ TE Xavier Tiller: Averaged 4.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg early in 10th grade season.

  • 3⭐ WR Jasen Lopez: All-Dade pick; averaged 25 ppg as a junior, committed to both sports at FSU.

🤼 Wrestling Strength

  • 3⭐ DL James Carrington: NHSCA All-American as a freshman; ranked No. 9 in Maryland at 285 lbs.

Why It Matters: Multi-sport backgrounds bring explosiveness, coordination, and competitive edge — traits that translate to the gridiron.

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💎 10 Noles With Game-Changing Traits 💎 

Florida State’s 2025 success could hinge on how its new coordinators maximize a handful of players with elite, one-of-a-kind traits.

💪 Physical Freaks

  • Darrell Jackson: 6’5”, 330 lbs, 36” arms, 11” hands, and over 20 mph in pads — NFL scouts love his size-speed combo.

  • Amaree Williams: 6’4”, 236 lbs, fluid athlete who can wreck games on either side of the ball.

⚡ Speed & Agility

  • Micahi Danzy: Track star who can hit 24 mph on the field.

  • Tommy Castellanos: Dual-threat QB whose rushing ability will keep defenses guessing.

🛡 Defensive Versatility

  • Edwin Joseph: Can play all five DB spots in Tony White’s positionless defense.

  • Jamari Howard: Elite length, even in FSU’s already long secondary.

  • Ja’Bril Rawls: Checks every cornerback box — length, twitch, fluidity, instincts — despite a lighter frame.

🎯 Offensive Weapons

  • Ousmane Kromah: Big-bodied RB with rare pass-catching skills.

  • Duce Robinson: Massive catch radius makes him a mismatch nightmare.

🔥 Pass-Rush Potential

  • James Williams: Led the nation in pass-rush efficiency in 2024, now aiming to do it with a bigger role.

Why It Matters: These 10 players each have a trait that can tilt games — if the staff puts them in position to thrive, FSU’s ceiling climbs significantly.

🏈 NFL Preseason Week 1 – Saturday Noles Recap 🏈

Several former Seminoles were in action across the NFL on Saturday, with a few standout performances.

💥 Big Plays & Highlights

  • Jameis Winston (Giants): 7-of-11 for 62 yards, 1 TD, plus a 12-yard rush.

  • Graham Gano (Giants): Drilled field goals from 50, 51, and 53 yards, plus an extra point.

  • Trey Benson (Cardinals): 9 carries for 29 yards (long of 9) and a 20-yard reception.

  • Jammie Robinson (Cardinals): Team-high 7 tackles (4 solo).

  • Janarius Robinson (Chiefs): Sack, TFL, QB hurry, and a solo tackle.

  • Tatum Bethune (49ers): 6 tackles (5 solo).

📝 Other Notes

  • Keon Coleman (Bills): 1 catch for no gain.

  • Lawrance Toafili (Jets): 17 rushing yards, 9-yard reception.

  • Ontaria Wilson (Jets): 12-yard reception.

  • Several notable Noles, including Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Jermaine Johnson, and Renardo Green, did not play.

Why It Matters: Preseason snaps are key for roster spots, and several Seminoles made their case with strong showings.

💪 Henshaw on Physicality, Alabama, and FSU’s Fresh Start 💪

Former FSU assistant and longtime NFL coach George Henshaw broke down the Seminoles’ biggest preseason storylines with Warchant — from finding toughness without burning players out, to why Alabama sets the tone for 2025.

🔥 Building Physicality Without Burnout

  • The hardest part of camp is now: sore bodies, fading adrenaline. Coaches must push players to ask themselves, “Do I really want to play football?” while keeping the team fresh for Alabama.

  • Physicality and effort aren’t optional — sit players who don’t bring both, no matter NIL deals or recruiting stars.

🏈 Why Bama Matters (and Doesn’t)

  • Playing close early will put pressure on Alabama, the heavy favorite.

  • Even with a loss, the season hinges more on Miami, Clemson, and Florida.

🔄 Learning from 2–10

  • Bad seasons force changes. Henshaw recalls Bowden’s staff overhaul at WVU — a turnaround that led him to FSU.

  • Norvell’s new coordinators brought their own assistants, creating continuity and shared vision.

🧠 Fresh Slate for Starters

  • No one’s in the lineup because of last year. Henshaw: “You’ve got to make them play you.”

  • NFL example: Pierre Thomas beat out a 3rd-round pick by simply out-practicing him.

Why It Matters: Physicality, effort, and competition are setting a different tone — and Alabama will be the first real test.

🏀 From Opponent to Seminole: Robert McCray’s Journey 🏀

Three years after facing Florida State as a freshman at Wake Forest, Robert McCray V is now set to be a key piece in Luke Loucks’ first season. The 6’4” lefty arrives from Jacksonville, where he earned All-ASUN First Team and topped 1,100 career points.

“I came to Florida State knowing that it will give me a taste of playing at the next level,” McCray said. “The NBA is where I want to be, and I know this is the right place for me to continue to elevate my game. Florida State is the right place for me because of Coach Loucks and Coach (Jim) Moran with their backgrounds in the NBA, along with our fast-paced style of play.”

📊 Quick hits

  • 2024-25 at JU: 16.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.5 APG; 100+ career 3s

  • Two-time HS Player of the Year; SC state high-jump champ (6-10)

  • 1,133 career points (1,107 at JU), two single-season top-25 scoring marks in JU history

🗣 Coaches’ view
Loucks: “Robert was a guy we zeroed in on very early… he can create for himself and for his teammates… Robert’s skill level and competitiveness are going to help us win games.
Assistant Michael Fly: “Rob carried a heavy load… improved as a shooter, decision maker, and leader… he’ll represent the Garnet and Gold with character and integrity.

Why It Matters: McCray brings scoring, creation, and senior leadership to a roster built for an immediate jump under Loucks.

And that’s a wrap!

That’s a wrap on today’s Chief Brief — where camp storylines, recruiting battles, and preseason spotlights all point toward one thing: the countdown to Alabama. The next two weeks will reveal just how ready this roster is to prove its identity on the field.

Go Noles,
The Chief Brief Team

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