🏹 August 14th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Season Kickoff, Recruiting Momentum, and Offensive Highlights

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy humpday, Seminole!

Here’s the midweek docket:

⚽ Seminoles Soccer Kicks Off the 2024 Season ⚽
Florida State soccer starts their season with matches against USF and UNF, aiming to continue their winning streak as they defend their national title.

🏈 2026 Edge Rodney Dunham Maps Out Fall Visits 🏈
Top prospect Rodney Dunham schedules key visits, including a stop at FSU to watch the Seminoles face Clemson.

🏈 Top 2026 WR Jordon Gidron Sets Fall Visit Schedule 🏈
Jordon Gidron lines up fall visits, with FSU among the top programs he's eyeing.

🔥 Recruiting Update: Bryce Fitzgerald's Decision Nears 🔥
Top safety Bryce Fitzgerald is set to decide between FSU and LSU, with the Seminoles currently in the lead.

🎯 Konanbanny Set to Announce Commitment Between Tennessee and FSU 🎯
Cornerback Onis Konanbanny is ready to choose between Tennessee and FSU, with Tennessee as the current favorite.

🔥 FSU Offense Heats Up as Season Opener Nears 🔥
FSU’s offense shows significant improvement in practice, with standout performances from Uiagalelei, Benson, and Toafili.

⚽ Seminoles Soccer Kicks Off the 2024 Season ⚽

Florida State soccer, ranked No. 1 in the preseason United Soccer Coaches Poll, begins their 2024 campaign with a road match against South Florida on Thursday at Corbett Stadium. The Seminoles return home on Sunday to face North Florida at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Tallahassee.

Key Highlights:

  • Dominant Record: FSU holds a perfect 10-0-0 record against USF and a 4-0-0 record against UNF.

  • Returning Champions: The team returns seven starters from last year’s national championship squad, including Jordynn Dudley and Taylor Huff.

  • New Additions: The roster includes 14 new players, with notable transfers like Giana Riley from Gonzaga and Carissa Boeckmann from Texas A&M, both expected to make a significant impact.

Head coach Brian Pensky, entering his third season with FSU, is set to lead the Seminoles as they aim to build on their current 15-match winning streak and defend their national title.

🏈 2026 Edge Rodney Dunham Maps Out Fall Visits 🏈

Rodney Dunham, a top-ranked edge rusher in the 2026 class, is gearing up for a busy fall with several high-profile visits lined up. The No. 6 edge rusher and No. 42 overall prospect will visit:

  • South Carolina on Sept. 14 for the LSU game.

  • Duke on Sept. 28 for the North Carolina matchup.

  • Florida State on Oct. 5 to watch them take on Clemson.

  • Tennessee on Oct. 19 for the Alabama showdown.

  • Ohio State on Oct. 26 for their game against Nebraska.

🏈 Top 2026 WR Jordon Gidron Sets Fall Visit Schedule 🏈

Jordon Gidron, a highly-touted 2026 receiver ranked No. 7 in his class, is gearing up for a busy fall visiting top programs that have offered him scholarships. His schedule includes:

  • Georgia on Aug. 31 for the opener against Clemson.

  • NC State on Sept. 7.

  • South Carolina for the LSU game.

  • Auburn on Sept. 28.

  • Florida State on Oct. 5.

  • Tennessee on Oct. 19.

🔥 Recruiting Update: Bryce Fitzgerald's Decision Nears 🔥

Top247 safety Bryce Fitzgerald, a standout from Miami Columbus, is set to make his college decision on August 17. The 6'½", 172-pounder, ranked as the No. 18 safety in the class of 2025, is being pursued by major programs, including Florida State, LSU, Miami, and USC.

However, the race seems to be narrowing to two schools—Florida State and LSU—with the Seminoles currently holding an edge.

Miami could still make a push, but time is running out.

🎯 Konanbanny Set to Announce Commitment Between Tennessee and FSU 🎯

Columbia (S.C.) Heathwood Hall Episcopal three-star cornerback Onis Konanbanny, ranked as the No. 43 CB in the 2025 class, is set to announce his commitment on August 23. The decision has come down to a two-team race between Tennessee and Florida State.

Current Momentum: Tennessee is the favorite, with 247Sports experts leaning toward the Volunteers as they continue their strong recruiting efforts in the 2025 class. FSU remains in the mix, but Tennessee appears to have the edge.

🔥 FSU Offense Heats Up as Season Opener Nears 🔥

Florida State’s Tuesday practice marked a turning point for the offense, which showed significant improvement against a tough FSU defense.

Passing Game Shines:
D.J. Uiagalelei led a sharp passing attack, connecting on several impressive plays. Malik Benson, Deuce Spann, and Lawrance Toafili were standouts, with Benson making a particularly notable 56-yard touchdown reception. The wide receivers, who have often struggled against the defense, turned in one of their best performances, especially during 1-on-1 and red-zone drills.

Ground Game Gains Traction:
Running backs Lawrance Toafili, Roydell Williams, and Kam Davis demonstrated strong performances, with Williams’ patience and quick-footedness drawing praise. Toafili's receiving skills were also on display, adding versatility to his role in the offense.

Trench Warfare:
The offensive line, anchored by Darius Washington and Andre' Otto, held up well against a formidable defensive front led by Darrell Jackson and Daniel Lyons. Jackson continued to dominate, especially in run defense, while the young offensive linemen showed promise in pass protection drills.

Defensive Standouts:
Despite the offense’s success, the defense remained competitive. Azareye'h Thomas and Edwin Joseph delivered solid coverage, with Joseph earning praise for his special teams work as well. Cai Bates also made a strong impression with multiple pass breakups and an interception.

Scouting Interest:
The practice drew attention from several NFL teams, with scouts from the Chiefs, Cardinals, Colts, and others observing the session, underscoring the talent and potential on display.

As FSU transitions into game prep mode, the offense’s progress is a positive sign as the Seminoles gear up for their season opener against Georgia Tech.

Read more here and here

And that’s a wrap!

From the latest updates in Seminole soccer to key recruiting news, we've got you covered as FSU gears up for another thrilling season.

Stay tuned for more insights, and as always, Go Noles!

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