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Happy Monday, Seminole!

FSU Soccer 🤯 ….Here’s today’s docket:

⚽ Dominant Home Opener: FSU Soccer demolished North Florida 10-0 in their home opener, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive strength.

⛔ Coaching Adjustment: With Alex Atkins suspended for three games, Senior Analyst Gabe Fertitta steps up to lead the offensive line in a crucial early-season role.

📝 Depth Chart Insights: FSU's first depth chart reveals a blend of youth and experience, with key position battles still undecided.

💨 Norvell’s Impressions: Mike Norvell praises the work ethic and speed of the 2024 FSU team, setting the tone for a dynamic season opener.

🔨 Coaching Grit: A deep dive into the humble beginnings and perseverance of FSU’s coaching staff, now leading one of the top programs in college football.

⚽ Dominant Performance: FSU Soccer Crushes UNF in Home Opener ⚽

The top-ranked Florida State soccer team delivered a masterclass in their 10-0 victory over North Florida during Sunday’s home opener at the Seminole Soccer Complex. The Seminoles, now 2-0-0, displayed an impressive offensive and defensive effort, outshooting the Ospreys 37-2 and keeping their opponents scoreless.

🌋 Offensive Explosion

FSU’s attack was relentless, with five goals in each half. Freshman Ashlyn Puerta opened the scoring within the first three minutes, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Taylor Huff was the star of the night, recording a hat trick and adding an assist. Huff's first goal came off an unselfish assist from Wrianna Hudson, who demonstrated remarkable skill in breaking down the UNF defense.

Camille Ashe also had a standout game, netting two goals, including one off a corner kick. Freshman contributions were significant, with goals from Solai Washington and Lara Dantas, highlighting the depth and talent of FSU's roster.

🧱 Defensive Mastery

The Seminoles' defense was just as formidable, allowing only two shots from the Ospreys, with just one on target. Goalkeepers Addie Todd and Maddie Smith shared the duties, with Smith handling the only shot from UNF in the 53rd minute. FSU’s backline, supported by a dominant midfield, ensured the Ospreys had little opportunity to threaten.

🔭 Looking Ahead

FSU's performance not only demonstrated their attacking prowess but also their depth, as 19 players took the field during the match. The Seminoles will seek to maintain their perfect start to the season when they host Rice on Thursday at 7 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on the ACC Network, providing another opportunity for FSU to showcase their top-ranked talent.

More details here.

⛔️ Alex Atkins Suspended for Three Games, Gabe Fertitta to Step Up ⛔️ 

Florida State’s offense will see a shift in leadership for the first three games of the season, including the much-anticipated opener in Dublin against Georgia Tech. Offensive line coach and offensive coordinator Alex Atkins will serve an NCAA-mandated suspension, sidelining him from game-day duties. The suspension stems from a recruiting violation in April 2022.

🛡️ Gabe Fertitta Takes the Helm

In Atkins’ absence, Senior Offensive Analyst Gabe Fertitta will step into the game-day operations role. Fertitta, who has been with FSU since February 2022, is no stranger to leading teams.

His coaching relationship with Atkins dates back to 2010, and his experience as a successful head coach at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge adds to his credibility.

Fertitta has already been heavily involved in the team's preseason preparations, including leading the offensive line during scrimmages to ensure a smooth transition.

🔄 Continuity Amidst Change

Despite the suspension, Head Coach Mike Norvell will continue to call the offensive plays, as he traditionally does. Fertitta’s role will be crucial in maintaining the unit's consistency, especially in the high-stakes environment of the season opener. Atkins, while unable to be on the sidelines during games, will still travel with the team and be involved in all practices and meetings.

📈 Looking Ahead

Atkins’ suspension will extend through the games against Boston College and Memphis, with his return scheduled for the September 21 game against California. Fertitta’s ability to step up during this critical period will be a key factor in Florida State's early-season performance.

You can find more details here, here, and here.

📝 FSU Releases Depth Chart: Key Takeaways 📝

Released this weekend, Florida State's first depth chart of the 2024 football season offers intriguing insights as the Seminoles prepare for their opener in Dublin against Georgia Tech. While some positions remain in flux, several key developments stand out.

🚨 Youth Movement and Surprising Starters

True freshmen Kam Davis and Lawayne McCoy have made their presence felt, securing spots on the depth chart, a testament to their readiness to contribute immediately. Jalen Brown’s listing as a starting wide receiver is another eye-opener, showcasing the team's trust in his ability to step up early.

🛡️ Depth and Experience on Display

FSU's offensive line reflects remarkable depth, with 12 different players listed across the two-deep, a significant improvement from previous years. On the defensive side, the linebacker rotation appears deeper than ever, with six players listed, highlighting the team’s confidence in its depth and versatility.

🔄 Key Position Battles Continue

Several positions, including nickel corner, linebacker, and right tackle, remain undecided with "OR" designations, indicating ongoing competition. The free safety spot is also too close to call, with veteran Davonte Brown and sophomore Conrad Hussey sharing the role.

As the season unfolds, these battles and the performance of the younger players will be key storylines to watch. FSU’s experienced roster, combined with emerging talent, positions the team for a compelling 2024 campaign.

More details on this topic here, here, and here.

💨 Work Ethic and Speed Impress Mike Norvell 💨 

As Florida State gears up for their Week 0 opener against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Head Coach Mike Norvell has high praise for his team's preparation and development throughout the offseason. With 35 practices behind them, including 15 in the spring and 20 during the preseason, Norvell’s confidence in his squad has only grown.

Emphasizing Explosive Play

One of the standout features of the 2024 team is its speed and explosiveness, particularly on offense. With new additions like quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and wide receivers Malik Benson and Jalen Brown, FSU's offensive unit looks faster and more dynamic than in previous seasons. Norvell highlighted this transformation, saying, “It’s been the most explosive fall camp that we’ve had. The workload our guys have poured into it, the number of top speeds that we’ve hit all have been highs for our time being here.”

Commitment to Hard Work

Beyond the physical attributes, Norvell has been particularly impressed with the team’s work ethic. Despite the turnover from last year’s squad, which saw ten players drafted into the NFL, this year’s team has not missed a beat. “This team has been about the work,” Norvell said. “That’s what I always desire — a team that you don’t have to push. These guys, you put the work in front of them, and they go running after it.”

Norvell’s focus on cultivating a culture of relentless effort has been a hallmark since arriving in Tallahassee. He emphasized that this attitude is something that has bonded the team and will be a critical factor in their success on the field. “I cannot wait to watch this team play,” Norvell added. “I like this team. I like how this team has come together. I really do respect these young men for who they are and what they’re all about.”

Ready for the Challenge

As FSU prepares to take the field in Dublin, Norvell is eager to see how his team’s preparation and hard work will translate into game performance. “You do all the work and you build it up for so few games, but now you get to go put it on display. There’s going to be great moments. There’s going to be challenging times... but it’s that response,” Norvell said, underscoring the importance of resilience and execution.

More details here.

🔨 Grit and Grind of FSU’s Coaching Staff: Humble Beginnings to Coaching Excellence 🔨

The journey of Florida State's football coaching staff is one marked by perseverance, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to the game. Noles247’s Brendan Sonnone took a deep dive into the stories behind this coaching staff.

From couchsurfing and sleeping in cars to enduring long hours for meager pay, these coaches have navigated the gritty realities of the coaching world to reach the pinnacle of college football.

The Struggles of Starting Out

Many of FSU’s current coaches began their careers far from the bright lights of major college football.

Defensive Coordinator Adam Fuller, for example, started at Division-III Worcester Polytechnic Institute, earning just $2,500 in his first year while sharing a one-bedroom apartment with three other coaches.

Offensive Coordinator Alex Atkins’ first coaching job involved managing the offensive line at Itawamba Community College.

The hard work, often in less-than-ideal conditions, was a common theme in the early careers of these coaches, including stints at small schools, junior colleges, and even high school programs.

Building the Foundation

Despite these challenges, FSU’s coaching staff remained committed to their craft, honing their skills and developing a deep understanding of the game.

This dedication paid off as they gradually climbed the ranks, with some coaches like Running Backs Coach David Johnson sleeping in his car while working at Millsaps College, just to seize an opportunity in the coaching world.

Their journeys reflect the immense sacrifices and determination required to succeed in a highly competitive field.

A Diverse and Resilient Staff

Under Mike Norvell's leadership, FSU has assembled a staff that not only brings a wealth of experience but also shares a common bond of overcoming adversity.

Many of these coaches, like Norvell himself, had to carve out their paths in the coaching world, often without the benefit of connections or prestige.

This shared experience has fostered a deep sense of camaraderie and resilience within the staff, qualities that have been instrumental in FSU's recent success.

The Human Element

One of the key factors in the success of this coaching staff is their emphasis on the human element of coaching. Norvell’s approach to assembling his team was not solely based on resumes but also on the character and values of each coach.

This focus on relationships and the holistic development of players has created a strong, unified staff that is committed to the growth and success of the team.

A Bright Future

As Florida State enters the 2024 season with high expectations, the coaching staff's journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the importance of a solid foundation.

With their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to excellence, FSU's coaches are well-equipped to lead the Seminoles to continued success on the field.

And that’s a wrap!

As close out this edition, we're reminded of the strength, resilience, and depth that define FSU's athletic programs.

From a stunning soccer victory to coaching adjustments in football, the Seminoles are setting the stage for a season of excellence.

With a coaching staff grounded in perseverance and a team ready to showcase their hard work on the field, Florida State is poised for an exciting season.

Stay with us as we continue to follow their journey. Go Noles!