Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Sunday, Seminole!

We’re inside of 1 weeks from football and FSU Soccer is back at it already. Here’s the docket:

• ⚽️ Seminoles Set for Home Opener: FSU Soccer, riding a 24-game unbeaten streak, hosts North Florida in their home opener after a 5-0 season kickoff victory.

• 🧱 Defense Ready for Georgia Tech: FSU’s defense looks formidable post-preseason, with depth and talent across the board, setting the stage for a strong season opener.

• 🔼 Scout Team Steps Up: FSU’s scout team, brimming with potential future stars, is pushing starters harder than ever, signaling the program’s depth.

• 🔢 Top NFL Draft Prospects: Discover which FSU players have the highest potential to go in the first round of the NFL Draft, led by standout cornerback Azareye'h Thomas.

• 📈 Preseason Standouts: 16 players who have made significant strides in preseason camp, ready to make an impact this season.

⚽️ Seminoles Set for Home Opener Against North Florida ⚽️ 

The top-ranked Florida State soccer team (1-0-0) is back at the Seminole Soccer Complex this Sunday for their home opener against North Florida (1-0-0). The Seminoles, boasting a 24-game unbeaten streak, aim to continue their dominance, having never lost to the Ospreys in their four previous encounters.

FSU's 2024 season began with a 5-0 victory over South Florida, extending their winning streak to 16 games. Key players, including Taylor Huff and Jordynn Dudley, return to lead the charge.

Fans attending the 6 p.m. match will receive a 2024 FSU Soccer schedule magnet, and the game will stream live on ACC Network Extra.

More detail available here.

🧱 Florida State Defense Prepares for Georgia Tech After Strong Preseason 🧱 

As FSU’s preseason camp ends, the defense looks ready for the season opener against Georgia Tech in Ireland.

Noles247’s Chris Nee took a deep dive into his opinions on the defense after camp. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Defensive End:
The trio of Patrick Payton, Marvin Jones Jr., and Sione Lolohea forms a strong and versatile edge-rushing unit. Payton’s leadership and consistency, combined with Jones’ explosiveness and Lolohea’s ability to set the edge, make this group a strength. Depth is bolstered by Byron Turner Jr. and Aaron Hester, who both showed improvement throughout camp.

Defensive Tackle:
Joshua Farmer and Darrell Jackson Jr. anchor the interior line, combining consistency and power. Their ability to dominate the trenches could be a game-changer. Depth is solid, with Grady Kelly and Daniel Lyons showing promise, while KJ Sampson and Tomiwa Durojaiye add further rotational options. Freshmen D'Nas White and Jamorie Flagg are also developing well under coach Odell Haggins.

Linebacker:
Initially a concern, the linebacker group has solidified with DJ Lundy leading the way. Cam Riley’s size and athleticism, along with the development of sophomores Justin Cryer and Blake Nichelson, have turned this unit into a reliable force. Omar Graham Jr. adds further depth, making the group well-rounded and capable.

Secondary:
The secondary is expected to be a standout unit, with Azareye'h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress II leading at cornerback. Shyheim Brown’s leadership at safety, combined with the competition between Davonte Brown and Conrad Hussey, ensures strong coverage. Earl Little Jr. and Kevin Knowles II provide flexibility at nickel, with a deep bench that promises consistent performance.

Special Teams:
Special teams look like a major asset, with veterans Ryan Fitzgerald and Alex Mastromanno handling kicking and punting. The return game features multiple options, led by Jaylin Lucas.

Thoughts on the Defense Exiting the Preseason:
Despite losing talent to the NFL, FSU’s defense appears strong, with depth across the board. The defensive line and secondary are particular strengths, while the linebacker group has exceeded expectations. Continued development will be key to sustaining this level of play throughout the season.

🔼 FSU Scout Team Levels Up 🔼 

The transformation of Florida State's scout team into a competitive force was evident in the latest practices, showcasing the program’s depth and growth according to Warchant’s Corey Clark.

🔄 A Competitive Shift In recent practices, Florida State's scout team has showcased a meaningful transformation, signaling a new level of competitiveness within the program. Gone are the days when the scout team offered minimal resistance. Now, they are pushing the starters with intensity, offering game-like challenges that are elevating both sides of the ball.

🛡️ Defensive Growth On defense, the scout team is loaded with potential future stars, including several four-star recruits. These players may be early in their development, but they’re already making contributions. Freshman corner Ricky Knight and others have been challenging the first-team offense, creating turnovers, and showing that they’re not just practice players—they’re future starters in the making.

💥 Offense Adding Pressure The offensive side of the scout team is also delivering strong efforts. Quarterback Trever Jackson and running back Micahi Danzy are just two examples of the young talent pushing the starting defense. Their ability to connect on big plays, like Jackson’s 50-yard pass in practice, demonstrates that the depth of talent at FSU has taken a step.

🚀 The Norvell Effect Head Coach Mike Norvell credits this rise in competition to the program’s successful recruiting and development efforts. The fact that the scout team now features players who eventually may make it to the NFL speaks volumes about the growth and sustainability of FSU’s football program.

🏆 Building Toward Success While a strong scout team doesn’t guarantee wins, it’s a significant indicator of a program’s health. The competitiveness in practice is laying a foundation for sustained success, preparing FSU to face the challenges of the upcoming season with a roster that is deeper and more talented than in years past.

🔢 FSU’s Top 10 Potential NFL First-Round Draft Picks 🔢 

When it comes to NFL Draft potential, not every star in college football makes the cut for the first round. The players who do are not only top performers but also possess elite physical attributes that align with NFL demands. Here’s a breakdown of Florida State’s top prospects most likely to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft according to Noles247.

1. Azareye'h Thomas (50% Chance)

• Position: Cornerback

• Overview: Thomas is a 6’2”, 198-pound junior cornerback known for his elite athleticism, size, and competitive drive.

2. Marvin Jones Jr. (30% Chance)

• Position: Defensive End

• Overview: Jones Jr., a 6’5”, 255-pound DE, has seen significant improvement since transferring from Georgia.

3. Darrell Jackson Jr. (25% Chance)

• Position: Defensive Tackle

• Overview: At 6’5” and 330 pounds, Jackson Jr. possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism.

4. Patrick Payton (25% Chance)

• Position: Defensive End

• Overview: Payton, a 6’5”, 250-pound DE, has developed into a versatile and intelligent pass-rusher.

5. Joshua Farmer (20% Chance)

• Position: Defensive Tackle

• Overview: Farmer, standing at 6’3” and 318 pounds, has elite burst and power.

6. Andre' Otto (10% Chance)

• Position: Offensive Lineman

• Overview: Otto’s rapid development and versatility across the offensive line make him an intriguing prospect.

7. Luke Kromenhoek (10% Chance)

• Position: Quarterback

• Overview: Kromenhoek has the physical tools and leadership qualities needed to be an NFL quarterback.

8. Quindarrius Jones (10% Chance)

• Position: Cornerback

• Overview: Jones, at 6’2”, 191 pounds, has the length, athleticism, and competitiveness that make him a standout in FSU’s deep secondary. His ceiling is incredibly high.

9. Lucas Simmons (10% Chance)

• Position: Offensive Tackle

• Overview: Simmons is a raw but highly promising OT with a 6’8”, 308-pound frame.

10. Amaree Williams

• Position: Tight End/Defensive End

• Overview: Williams, a true freshman, has shown elite athleticism and versatility. Whether he sticks at TE or transitions to DE, he’s a talent to watch for future drafts.

📈 FSU’s 16 Standout Players from Preseason Camp 📈

As Florida State’s preseason camp concludes, here’s a look at 16 players who have made significant strides and are poised to contribute in the upcoming season according to The Osceola.

QB Luke Kromenhoek
Progress: The true freshman has shown tremendous growth, with the game noticeably slowing down for him as camp progressed. He’s displayed poise and confidence, making him a promising prospect for FSU’s future.

RB Samuel Singleton
Progress: Despite being in a crowded running back room, Singleton’s speed has consistently stood out, especially during scrimmages. His ability to break away from defenders has been a highlight.

RB Kam Davis
Progress: After a slower start, Davis has surged in the latter half of camp. His compact frame and vision make him a tough runner, and his transition from high-school quarterback to college running back has been impressive.

WR Elijah Moore
Progress: Moore has turned heads with his playmaking ability. As a true freshman, his athletic catches and ability to play bigger than his 6'4" frame could see him in the rotation early.

WR Jalen Brown
Progress: Brown’s speed is translating more effectively to the football field. He’s become more comfortable in the offense, making a case to be the No. 2 receiver behind Malik Benson.

TE Kyle Morlock
Progress: Morlock has stepped up as a key target in the passing game, making him a candidate to be among the team’s leaders in receiving yards.

TE Brian Courtney
Progress: Courtney has emerged unexpectedly, showcasing consistent hands and improvement as a blocker, making him a viable option in the tight end rotation.

OL Andre' Otto
Progress: Otto’s versatility across the offensive line has been a standout feature. His consistency and potential to back up multiple positions make him a valuable asset.

DE Aaron Hester
Progress: Hester has finally found his stride, showing readiness for a rotational role and adding depth to the defensive end position.

DE Sione Lolohea
Progress: Lolohea has shown growth as a pass-rusher, enhancing his overall game and positioning himself as a reliable backup defensive end.

DT KJ Sampson
Progress: Sampson’s development during his redshirt season has paid off, and he now looks ready to contribute significantly on the interior defensive line.

LB Cam Riley
Progress: Riley’s quick adaptation to FSU’s defense and his impressive mobility make him a critical player at linebacker for the upcoming season.

LB Justin Cryer/Blake Nichelson
Progress: Both sophomores have shown significant improvement, poised to elevate the linebacker room with their continued development.

CB Fentrell Cypress II
Progress: Cypress has returned to his All-ACC form, locking down receivers consistently and forming a formidable duo with Azareye'h Thomas.

CB Kevin Knowles II
Progress: Back at his natural nickel corner position, Knowles has regained his confidence, highlighted by a series of interceptions in practice.

S Shyheim Brown
Progress: Brown has emerged as the leader of the safety unit, backing up his vocal presence with strong on-field performances, earning him the honor of breaking the rock after Friday’s practice.

And that’s a wrap!

With FSU Soccer gearing up for an exciting home opener and football less than a week out, the fall sports season is upon us!

We explored the biggest movers in football’s preseason camp and the NFL Draft potential among the current roster, highlighting the depth of talent on this year’s team.

Thanks for tuning in to this edition—stay connected with us for all the latest as we continue to bring you the best of Seminole sports.

Until next time, keep cheering on the Noles!