Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy humpday, Seminole!

Here’s your midweek docket:

🌊 FSU’s swimming star Logan Robinson is representing the USA at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships after a standout showing at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

⚽ Taylor Huff shines on the soccer field, earning ACC Offensive Player of the Week honors with a hat trick in FSU's 10-0 victory over North Florida.

🏈 Football recruiting heats up as FSU extends a scholarship offer to Jason Stokes Jr., while Ousmane Kromah edges closer to his college decision.

🏈 FSU continues to build its 2025 recruiting class with 13 commitments, setting the stage for a strong recruiting cycle.

🏈 FSU gears up for a high-stakes season opener against Georgia Tech in Dublin, with a focus on key matchups and a renewed run game strategy.

🌊 Rising Star: FSU Swimmer Logan Robinson to Represent USA at Junior Pan Pacific Championships 🌊

Florida State's incoming freshman Logan Robinson is set to represent USA Swimming at the 2024 Junior Pan Pacific Championships in Canberra, Australia, from Aug. 21-24.

Robinson earned his spot after a standout performance at the U.S. Olympic Trials, finishing 13th in the 200-meter fly with a personal best of 1:58.08. The Pensacola native will compete in multiple events, including the 200 fly, 100 free, 100 fly, and 200 IM.

Robinson's accomplishments also include being a 2023 FHSAA 3A state champion and a multi-finalist at national championships.

The competition schedule began Tuesday at 7:55 p.m. ET, with live results and streaming available on the championship site.

Read more here

⚽ Taylor Huff Named ACC Offensive Player of the Week ⚽

Florida State senior midfielder Taylor Huff has been named the ACC Offensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive season.

Huff kicked off her 2024 campaign in spectacular fashion, recording three assists in the season opener against South Florida and delivering her first career hat trick in a 10-0 win over North Florida.

Her seven points in the match were just one shy of FSU's single-game record. Huff's stellar performance follows several preseason accolades, solidifying her status as a key player this season.

Read more here

🏈 FSU Offers Scholarship to 2025 DB Jason Stokes Jr., Brother of Jashaun Corbin 🏈

Florida State has extended a scholarship offer to 2025 three-star cornerback Jason Stokes Jr. from Texas, who is currently committed to Utah. This offer is particularly special as Stokes is the younger brother of former FSU running back Jashaun Corbin.

Stokes, who grew up in Florida, expressed how meaningful the offer is, especially given his family's connection to the Seminoles. While his commitment to Utah remains strong, FSU's interest adds an intriguing layer to his recruitment.

Read more here

🏈 Ousmane Kromah Nears Decision Amid High-Profile Recruiting Battle 🏈

Ousmane Kromah, a highly sought-after running back from Lee County (Ga.), is leaning toward making his college commitment in September, with Georgia, Florida State, and Auburn as the frontrunners.

Kromah, who recently impressed in a game against Georgia 5-star EDGE commit Isaiah Gibson, remains undecided but has expressed admiration for the family-oriented atmospheres at all three schools.

As he weighs his options, Kromah aims to keep his final decision a surprise, adding suspense to this closely watched recruitment.

Read more here

🏈 FSU’s Early 2025 Class Predictions: Strong Foundation with Room to Grow 🏈

With 13 commitments already in the fold, Florida State is building a solid 2025 recruiting class, currently ranked 11th nationally. As the season progresses, the Seminoles will continue to fine-tune their roster with unofficial and official visits, aiming to secure additional top-tier talent.

Key Commitments:

• QB: Four-star Tramell Jones

• RB: Four-star Byron Louis

• WR: Four-star CJ Wiley, Daylan McClutcheon, Malik Clark

• OL: Five-star Solomon Thomas, Four-star Peyton Joseph

• DL: Four-star Kevin Wynn, Myron Charles, Javion Hilson

FSU is also in strong contention for several high-profile targets, setting the stage for a potentially elite class by the early signing period in December.

Read more here

🏈 FSU vs. Georgia Tech Preview: Clash in Dublin 🏈

As Florida State gears up for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic against Georgia Tech in Dublin, key matchups and team dynamics will be under the spotlight.

Georgia Tech’s Offense: The Yellow Jackets rely heavily on quarterback Haynes King, who was one of only two Power Five players to achieve 2,800 passing yards, 25 touchdown passes, 700 rushing yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns last season.

King’s dual-threat capability makes him the engine of Georgia Tech’s offense, supported by a strong run game led by Jamal Haynes, a converted wide receiver who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season.

With a stout offensive line and returning talent at wide receiver, including Freshman All-American Eric Singleton, Georgia Tech’s offense poses a significant challenge.

FSU’s Defensive Strategy: Florida State will need to contain King, focusing on limiting his rushing yards while pressuring him into mistakes.

King’s tendency to throw interceptions (16 last season) could play into FSU’s favor, especially if the Seminoles’ defensive front can disrupt his rhythm.

Georgia Tech’s Defensive Struggles: Defensively, Georgia Tech struggled mightily last season, ranking near the bottom nationally in rushing defense and total defense.

Despite their poor defensive performance, they excelled in creating turnovers, ranking ninth in the nation in takeaways.

The Jackets have attempted to address their defensive shortcomings by hiring Duke’s defensive coordinator, Tyler Santucci, and adding key transfers, such as CB Warren Burrell from Tennessee.

Key Matchups:

• FSU’s Offensive Line vs. GT’s Defensive Line: The Seminoles’ offensive line will face a sizable challenge from GT’s defensive front, anchored by senior nose tackle Zeek Biggers. Controlling the line of scrimmage will be crucial for FSU to establish its running game and protect QB DJ Uiagalelei.

• GT’s Rushing Attack vs. FSU’s Run Defense: With a potent rushing attack, Georgia Tech will test FSU’s run defense, especially with Haynes and King leading the charge. FSU must tackle well and maintain gap discipline to prevent big plays.

Historical Context: This marks FSU’s first-ever international game, with the Seminoles holding a 15-11-1 all-time record against Georgia Tech.

FSU won their last meeting in 2022, but the Yellow Jackets have shown they can compete with top teams, having defeated ranked opponents like UNC and Miami last season.

As both teams enter this contest, FSU will look to exploit GT’s defensive weaknesses while containing their multifaceted offense.

The outcome in Dublin could set the tone for FSU’s season, especially as they aim to assert their dominance in the ACC early on.

Read more here and here

🏈 Fine-Tuning FSU’s Run Game Strategy 🏈

As we prepare for Georgia Tech, Offensive Coordinator Alex Atkins shared insights on one of the keys to FSU’s success this season: the run game.

Last season, the Seminoles struggled with consistency, ranking 100th nationally in tackles for loss allowed on rushing plays.

Atkins emphasized the importance of minimizing mistakes and maintaining forward momentum.

With strategic adjustments, including adding key transfers like Roydell Williams and bolstering the offensive line, FSU is ready to revitalize its ground game in 2024, starting in Dublin.

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

As FSU gears up for an exciting season, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the action in Dublin, the rise of standout athletes like Logan Robinson and Taylor Huff, and the ongoing recruitment efforts that are shaping the future of Seminole sports.

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s keep that Seminole spirit strong! 🌟

Go Noles!