Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Tuesday, Seminole!

Here’s the docket for you today:

🏆 Defensive stars Joshua Farmer and Patrick Payton earn spots on the prestigious Bednarik Award Watch List.

⚽ Freshman Lara Dantas makes history, representing Brazil in the U-20 Women’s World Cup.

🏀 Four-star guard Adrien Stevens prepares to announce his college decision.

🏈 Top 2026 edge rusher Jake Kreul navigates a busy recruitment season.

🔥 FSU’s defense shines as they transition into game prep, and the team is ranked No. 10 in the Preseason AP Top 25 Poll.

🏆 Farmer and Payton Named to Bednarik Award Watch List 🏆

FSU’s Joshua Farmer and Patrick Payton have been named to the prestigious Bednarik Award Watch List, recognizing the top defensive player in college football.

Joshua Farmer: The redshirt junior earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2023 with 32 tackles, 7.0 for loss, and 5.0 sacks. Farmer is also on the Outland and Nagurski Trophy watch lists.

Patrick Payton: A Miami native, Payton led FSU with 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks in 2023. He also recorded 10 pass breakups, the most by an ACC defensive lineman since 2016.

These standout performances solidify their status as key players for FSU's defense heading into the 2024 season.

Read more here

⚽ Lara Dantas Named to Brazilian U-20 Women’s World Cup Roster ⚽

• Historic Achievement: Freshman Lara Dantas becomes the first Seminole to represent Brazil at the international level.

• Impressive Credentials: Dantas scored seven goals and provided three assists with Fluminense FC's U-18 team, later excelling at IMG Academy.

• International Experience: Already a standout at the U-17 and U-20 levels, she played a key role in Brazil's CONMEBOL Sub20 Femenina Championship win.

• World Cup Goals: Brazil, aiming to surpass their 2022 third-place finish, will start their campaign against Fiji on August 31.

Read more here

🏀 Adrien Stevens to Announce College Decision on August 13th 🏀

• Final Four: Adrien Stevens, a four-star guard from Bullis School, will choose between Georgetown, Marquette, Notre Dame, and Villanova. He recently cut Florida State and Tennessee from his list.

• Scouting Report: At 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, Stevens is a powerful guard known for his defensive versatility and offensive prowess, particularly in transition and as a 35% three-point shooter.

• Decision Criteria: Stevens is looking for a school that prioritizes strong relationships and offers a blend of academic and athletic excellence.

Stevens’ decision will air live on the 247Sports Channel.

Read more here

🏈 Top 2026 Edge Rusher Jake Kreul Navigates Busy Recruiting Trail 🏈

• Rising Star: Jake Kreul, a Top 100 edge rusher, has been highly sought after, receiving offers from top programs like Auburn, Clemson, FSU, and Ohio State. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound standout, now at IMG Academy, continues to build relationships with several prominent schools.

• Campus Connections: Kreul has visited Oklahoma, Ohio State, and Miami, forming strong bonds with coaches. He’s particularly impressed with Oklahoma’s personal approach, Ohio State’s player development, and the chance to learn from Miami's Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.

• In-State Ties: Kreul, raised in a household divided between Florida and FSU alumni, has a deep connection to both schools. He’s visited both campuses and appreciates the unique culture and coaching at each program.

• Next Steps: With numerous visits planned, including to Oregon, USC, and Clemson, Kreul’s recruitment journey is just heating up as he weighs his options for the future.

Read more here

🔥 Defense Dominates as FSU Transitions to Game Prep 🔥

Defense Continues to Shine

Kevin Knowles II:

• Knowles has emerged as a key player in the defense, showing his ability to make game-changing plays. With three interceptions in two practices and several pass breakups, his return to the nickel position has been significant. His standout moments include a one-handed interception and a crucial pass breakup against WR Ja'Khi Douglas, showcasing his growth and confidence heading into the season.

Defensive Line:

• The defensive line, led by Joshua Farmer and Darrell Jackson, has been relentless. They consistently pressured the offense, making it difficult for the quarterbacks to find their rhythm. KJ Sampson has also impressed, winning multiple reps and earning praise from coaches. Marvin Jones Jr. flashed his potential with explosive plays, while Darrell Jackson's ability to penetrate the backfield has made him a standout.

Linebackers:

• The linebacking corps, including Blake Nichelson, Cam Riley, and Omar Graham, has been active and aggressive. Nichelson’s ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and Graham's improved movement and size have bolstered the unit. Their combined efforts have contributed to a defense that is tough to penetrate.

Offense Seeking Rhythm

DJ Uiagalelei:

• While Uiagalelei has shown moments of brilliance with precise throws and mobility, the overall passing game is still finding its rhythm. Facing an aggressive and athletic secondary, the timing and execution need sharpening. Uiagalelei’s leadership is evident, but consistency through the air remains a focus as the season opener approaches.

Wide Receivers:

• The WR group faced stiff competition from the secondary. Although Malik Benson responded to Norvell’s challenges with increased intensity, veterans like Azareye'h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress II dominated in coverage, limiting the receivers' impact. Deuce Spann stood out with multiple explosive plays, including an impressive catch where he twisted mid-air to secure the ball.

Running Backs:

• Trey Benson and Roydell Williams continue to be key assets in the backfield. Benson’s 'boom or bust' running style contrasts with Williams’ consistency, drawing parallels to past FSU standouts. Williams showcased his ability to maximize space, earning praise from Norvell for his patience and vision.

Trench Warfare Intensifies

Offensive Line:

• Andre' Otto and Maurice Smith are anchoring the offensive line with strong performances. Otto’s versatility and power have been evident across multiple positions, while Smith’s improved strength and technique have helped him hold off formidable defensive linemen like Joshua Farmer and Daniel Lyons. The young talent, including first-year players Jonathan Daniels and Manasse Itete, shows promise for the future, with a baseline of size and athleticism that bodes well for the program’s long-term success.

Defensive Line:

• The defensive line continues to set the tone, with KJ Sampson, Darrell Jackson, and Grady Kelly leading the charge. Sampson, under the guidance of Odell Haggins, has been refining his technique, showing his ability to win reps and disrupt the offensive line. Marvin Jones Jr. and Patrick Payton are also contributing, with Jones’ explosiveness and Payton’s leadership helping to elevate the group’s performance.

Special Teams: A Bright Spot

Kickers:

• Ryan Fitzgerald and Jake Weinberg both had flawless performances during the special teams portion, successfully making all of their field goal attempts. Their consistency provides confidence as FSU heads into the season.

Read more here and here and here

🏈 FSU Ranks No. 10 in Preseason AP Top 25 Poll 🏈

Florida State football kicks off the 2024 season ranked No. 10 in the Preseason Associated Press Top 25 Poll, marking their continued rise under head coach Mike Norvell.

Following a stellar 13-1 season, which included an undefeated regular season, an ACC Championship, and a strong showing in the Orange Bowl, FSU enters the new season as the highest-ranked ACC team in the poll.

ACC Presence:

• FSU is the top-ranked team from the ACC, leading the conference with a No. 10 spot. They are joined by Clemson (No. 14), Miami (No. 19), and NC State (No. 24) in the Top 25, reflecting a strong presence for the ACC in the national rankings.

National Context:

• The SEC dominates the poll with nine ranked teams, followed by the Big Ten with six, and the Big 12 with five. Notably, Notre Dame, an independent team that FSU will face in November, ranks at No. 7, setting up a highly anticipated matchup later this season.

Roster Changes:

• Despite significant changes to the roster, with new primary starters at key positions including quarterback, running back, and several spots on defense, FSU is viewed as a deep and talented squad.

• The combination of returning talent and key additions from both high school recruits and the transfer portal has fueled high expectations for the Seminoles.

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

With FSU gearing up for the season and our athletes making headlines both on and off the field, there’s plenty to be excited about.

Stay tuned as we bring you more updates, insights, and stories that matter to Seminole Nation.

Go ‘Noles!