🏹 August 16th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Dominant Soccer Opener, Volleyball’s National Spotlight, and Football’s Final Preseason Surge"

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The Chief
August 16, 2024

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

TGIF Seminole!

Here’s your end of work week docket:

⚽ Dominant Season Opener for FSU Soccer ⚽
The No. 1 ranked Seminoles kicked off their season with a commanding 5-0 win over South Florida, setting a new program record for consecutive games with a goal.

🏐 FSU Volleyball’s ESPN Network Appearances 🏐
Catch the reigning ACC Co-Champions in action on ESPN Networks, with key matches against Georgia, Florida, Miami, and Stanford.

🏐 Seminoles Gear Up for Garnet and Gold Scrimmage 🏐
FSU Volleyball is set for their first 2024 appearance at the Garnet and Gold Scrimmage, featuring returning stars and top transfers.

🏈 Seminoles Named to Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List 🏈
Three FSU players—Lawrance Toafili, DJ Uiagalelei, and Sione Lolohea—are on the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List.

🏈 Two Seminoles Featured in ESPN's Top 100 College Football Players List 🏈
Azareye'h Thomas and Patrick Payton make ESPN’s Top 100 College Football Players list, showcasing their rising national profiles.

🏈 FSU 2025 Commits to Watch as Senior Seasons Begin 🏈
Several FSU football commitments are poised for a rankings boost, with strong senior seasons expected from key recruits.

🏀 Top 2026 Center Oliviyah Edwards Draws National Attention 🏀
Oliviyah Edwards, a top prospect in the 2026 class, is taking her time with recruitment, including a visit to FSU on the horizon.

🔥 Florida State Offense Peaks in Final Preseason Practices 🔥
FSU’s offense shines in the final preseason practices, with notable performances from quarterbacks and receivers as they prepare for the season opener.

⚽ Dominant Season Opener for FSU Soccer ⚽

Florida State’s No. 1 ranked soccer team kicked off their title defense with a powerful 5-0 win over South Florida. Taylor Huff led the charge with three assists, helping the Seminoles break a program record by scoring in their 35th straight game.

Key goals came from Jordynn Dudley, Mimi Van Zanten, and freshman Taylor Suarez, among others.

FSU returns to Tallahassee for their home opener against North Florida this Sunday at 6 p.m., streaming on ACC Network Extra.

🏐 FSU Volleyball’s ESPN Network Appearances 🏐

The Florida State volleyball team will feature on ESPN Networks four times this season, tying for the fourth-most appearances in the ACC.

The reigning ACC Co-Champions, coming off a 23-9 season, return key players like ACC Co-Player of the Year Audrey Koenig and First Team All-ACC selection Khori Louis.

Key Matches:

  • Georgia (Sept. 1, ACC Network)

  • Florida (Sept. 17, ESPN2)

  • Miami (Sept. 25, ACC Network)

  • Stanford (Nov. 3, ESPN)

FSU’s season begins on Aug. 30 against USF.

🏐 Seminoles Gear Up for Garnet and Gold Scrimmage 🏐

The reigning ACC Co-Champions, FSU Volleyball, will hit the court for the first time in 2024 during the Garnet and Gold Scrimmage today at 6 p.m. in Tully Gym. Admission is free.

Returning Standouts:

  • Audrey Koenig: ACC Co-Player of the Year, led the team with 374 kills.

  • Khori Louis: First Team All-ACC, with 271 kills and 93 blocks.

Key Additions:

  • Taylor Head: 2023 AVCA Third Team All-American from Arkansas.

  • Kelsey Perry: Transfer from Iowa State.

  • Iane Henke: Division II standout from Cal State LA.

🏈 Seminoles Named to Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List 🏈

Three Florida State players—Lawrance Toafili, DJ Uiagalelei, and Sione Lolohea—have been named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List.

  • Lawrance Toafili: ACC Championship Game MVP with 463 rushing yards and five total touchdowns last season.

  • DJ Uiagalelei: A standout quarterback with over 9,400 yards of total offense in his career, joining FSU from Oregon State.

  • Sione Lolohea: A second-team All-Pac-12 defensive lineman, transferring from Oregon State.

Florida State's cornerback Azareye'h Thomas and defensive end Patrick Payton have been recognized in ESPN's Top 100 College Football Players for 2024.

  • Azareye'h Thomas: Ranked at No. 100, Thomas is emerging as one of the nation’s top cornerbacks, with his standout 2023 season positioning him for a breakout year.

  • Patrick Payton: Coming in at No. 44, Payton is set to be a dominant force on defense, building on his impressive stats from last season.

🏈 FSU 2025 Commits to Watch as Senior Seasons Begin 🏈

With the 2025 recruiting class entering their final high school season, 247Sports' Andrew Ivins shared insights on several Florida State commitments who could see a rankings boost:

  • 4-star QB Tramell Jones Jr.: Eyes are on his upcoming matchup against IMG Academy to see if he can elevate his performance.

  • The WR Trio: CJ Wiley, Malik Clark, and Daylan McCutcheon all show promise, each bringing unique strengths to FSU's offense.

  • 3-star TE Chase Loftin: A versatile athlete with potential, Loftin's development as a tight end could make him a key addition.

  • 4-star DL Myron Charles: With raw talent, Charles is expected to grow under FSU’s coaching, similar to past defensive standouts.

🏀 Top 2026 Center Oliviyah Edwards Draws National Attention 🏀

Oliviyah Edwards, a 6'3" center from Tacoma, Washington, is one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2026 class. With a top-10 list featuring Florida State, North Carolina, Tennessee, and more, Edwards is taking a measured approach to her recruitment.

Focused on her game and growth, she plans to visit several top programs, including FSU. Her decision will hinge on finding a program with strong energy and a family atmosphere.

🔥 Florida State Offense Peaks in Final Preseason Practices 🔥

As Florida State wraps up its preseason camp, the offense has hit its stride, showing significant improvement and readiness for the upcoming season. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the last open practices:

  • Offensive Surge: The offense had its best performances of camp, with D.J. Uiagalelei leading the way with precise decision-making and accurate throws. The wide receivers stepped up significantly, making contested plays that boosted their confidence.

  • Quarterback Progress: Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek also had standout moments, showcasing growth and improving their deep-ball accuracy.

  • Receiving Corps: The wide receivers, led by Malik Benson, Kentron Poitier, and Elijah Moore, showed resilience and determination, responding to coaching challenges and consistently making big plays.

  • Defensive Battles: Despite the offensive success, the defense held strong in key moments, with Marvin Jones Jr. and KJ Sampson standing out, alongside the promising performances of freshman corners Charles Lester, Ricky Knight, and Cai Bates.

  • Special Teams Emphasis: Wednesday’s practice focused heavily on special teams, fine-tuning details, and ensuring readiness for the season opener against Georgia Tech.

Coaching Insights:

  • Head Coach Mike Norvell expressed pride in the receivers' progress, noting that the group has raised its level of play as they near game day. He highlighted the importance of their growth and the competitive atmosphere in practice.

  • Norvell also praised the defense for maintaining its intensity and competitiveness, even as the offense found its rhythm.

Read more here and here and here

And that’s a wrap!

As FSU continues to make waves across multiple sports, we’re on the edge of our seats for the exciting seasons ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and all things Seminoles.

Until next time, keep the spirit high and the garnet and gold shining bright! 🌟

Go Noles!

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