🏹 August 22nd - The Chief Brief 🏹

From Historic Wins to Final Preparations

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Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Thursday, Seminoles!

Here’s the docket while many of you will be embarking along with the team to Ireland:

Golfing Glory: Luke Clanton wins the McCormack Medal, making history for FSU as he and Lottie Woad become the first duo from the same school to receive this prestigious honor in the same year.

🏅 Softball Scholars: Thirteen FSU softball players are recognized as Easton/NFCA Scholar-Athletes, exemplifying academic excellence alongside athletic success.

Unbeaten Streak Continues: FSU soccer extends its winning streak as they face Rice, building on their dominant start to the season.

🏈 Final Preparations: FSU football wraps up its last practice before heading to Dublin, with standout performances across the board.

🏈 Leadership Transition: Gabe Fertitta steps up to lead the offensive line in Dublin amid Alex Atkins' suspension, ensuring continuity and strength on game day.

🏈 NFL Watch: Fourteen Seminoles make the Senior Bowl watch list, signaling their potential impact in the 2024 NFL Draft.

🏈 NFL Preseason Finale: Former Seminoles take the field in the final week of the NFL Preseason, making their case for regular-season rosters.

⛳ Luke Clanton Wins McCormack Medal, Makes History for FSU ⛳

Florida State golfer Luke Clanton has been awarded the prestigious Mark H. McCormack Medal, recognizing him as the top male golfer in the 2024 World Amateur Golf Ranking.

This honor follows Clanton’s record-setting season at FSU, where he achieved the lowest single-season stroke average in school history.

Clanton, along with Seminole All-American Lottie Woad, makes FSU the first school to have both male and female McCormack Medal winners in the same year.

Clanton's achievement also secures his exemptions into the 2025 U.S. Open and The Open.

🏅 13 FSU Softball Players Named Easton/NFCA Scholar-Athletes 🏅

Florida State softball celebrates the academic success of 13 players who have been named 2024 Easton/NFCA Scholar-Athletes.

To qualify, athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Among the honorees, six posted a GPA of 3.75 or higher, with Kennedy Harp leading the team with a perfect 4.0.

This recognition comes alongside another strong season for FSU Softball, finishing with a 46-16 record and advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals for the 10th time in 11 years.

⚽️ No. 1 FSU Soccer Continues Homestand Against Rice ⚽️

The top-ranked Florida State soccer team (2-0-0) continues its dominant start to the season with a matchup against Rice (2-0-0) on Thursday evening.

The Seminoles are riding a 34-game unbeaten streak against non-conference opponents and recently set a school record with 25 consecutive unbeaten matches.

Following a 10-0 victory over North Florida, the reigning national champions look to extend their winning streak at the Seminole Soccer Complex, where they’ve secured 17 straight victories.

The game will be broadcast on ACC Network at 7 p.m.

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🏈 FSU Wraps Up Final Practice Before Dublin 🏈

Florida State held its final practice in Tallahassee on Wednesday before heading to Dublin for the season opener against Georgia Tech. The session was intense, with standout performances from both the offense and defense.

Wide Receiver Highlights:
Jalen Brown, Ja'Khi Douglas, Kentron Poitier, and Darion Williamson shined, making key catches against FSU’s top defensive backs. Brown’s consistency and resilience were particularly notable, earning praise from coaches.

Defensive Standouts:
Azareye'h Thomas led the defense with multiple pass breakups, while Edwin Joseph, Earl Little Jr., and Omarion “Duke” Cooper made crucial plays in coverage.

Trench Battles:
Maurice Smith and Daniel Lyons excelled in one-on-ones, with Lyons also recording a pass breakup at the line. The offensive line held its own, showing improvement in protection for QB DJ Uiagalelei.

Looking Ahead:
As the Seminoles prepare for their matchup in Dublin, the rhythm and timing between Uiagalelei and his receivers have vastly improved, setting the stage for a strong offensive showing.

FSU will continue preparations with practices in Dublin on Thursday and Friday.

Read more here and here

🏈 Gabe Fertitta Steps Up Amid Alex Atkins’ Suspension 🏈

With FSU's offensive coordinator Alex Atkins serving a suspension, Gabe Fertitta, a seasoned coach with a deep passion for the game, will step in to lead the offensive line during the Seminoles' first three games, starting with Georgia Tech in Dublin.

Fertitta, known for his detailed coaching and strong rapport with players, is set to guide the team through this critical period. Atkins, confident in Fertitta’s abilities, trusts his longtime friend to keep the offense on track, emphasizing the importance of continuity and teamwork.

Fertitta's journey to this moment has been marked by a lifelong dedication to coaching, from his days drawing up plays in middle school to his successful stint at Baton Rouge Catholic, where he won two state titles.

His decision to join FSU in 2022, despite the risks, highlights his commitment to the profession and his belief in the potential of FSU's program. As Fertitta takes on this new challenge, his focus remains on helping the team succeed and continuing to shape the young men under his guidance.

🏈 NFL Watch List: 14 FSU Players to Watch in 2024 🏈

NFL scouts are keeping a close eye on 14 Florida State football upperclassmen this season, with these players making the Senior Bowl watch list:

  • QB DJ Uiagalelei

  • RB Lawrance Toafili

  • RB Roydell Williams

  • WR Malik Benson

  • OL Darius Washington

  • OL Jeremiah Byers

  • DE Marvin Jones Jr.

  • DT Joshua Farmer

  • DT Darrell Jackson Jr.

  • DE Patrick Payton

  • LB DJ Lundy

  • LB Cam Riley

  • CB Fentrell Cypress

  • CB Azareye'h Thomas

These players are expected to be key contributors as FSU aims for a standout 2024 season.

🏈 NFL Preseason Week 3: FSU Standouts in Action 🏈

As the NFL Preseason wraps up this weekend, several former Florida State players will take the field before final roster cuts are made. Key matchups include:

  • Thursday: Bears' DeMarcus Walker vs. Chiefs' Derrick Nnadi and Fabien Lovett Sr.

  • Friday: Dolphins' Robert Cooper and Jalen Ramsey vs. Buccaneers' Kalen DeLoach.

  • Saturday: Rams' Jared Verse, Keir Thomas, and Braden Fiske vs. Texans' Cam Akers, Cameron Erving, and Mario Edwards Jr.

  • Sunday: Giants' Brian Burns and Graham Gano vs. Jets' Jordan Travis and Jermaine Johnson.

Watch for these Seminole standouts as they make their final push for regular-season rosters!

And that’s a wrap!

As we gear up for the excitement of the season ahead, stay tuned for all things FSU.

Whether it’s on the field, on the court, or in the classroom, we’re here to keep you informed and inspired by the accomplishments of our Seminoles.

Go Noles!

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