🏹 August 2nd - The Chief Brief 🏹

Preseason Honors, Olympic Triumphs, and Legal Battles

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The Chief
August 02, 2024

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Welcome to The Chief Brief!

TGIF Seminole!

Here’s your docket for the day:

🌟 Four FSU Players Named to Preseason All-ACC Team Four Seminoles earned spots on the preseason All-ACC team, highlighting Darius Washington, Maurice Smith, Joshua Farmer, and Alex Mastromanno for their exceptional skills and contributions.

🏆 Maurice Smith Named to Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List Maurice Smith, known for his community service and leadership, has been named to the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List. His efforts on and off the field are commendable.

🌟 Seminoles Shine in Olympic Women's Football Tournament Four former Seminoles advanced to the knockout stage of the Olympic Women's Football Tournament. Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger, and Emily Sams represent the U.S., while Gabby Carle plays for Canada.

🏐 Three Seminoles Named to ACC Volleyball Preseason All-ACC Team Audrey Koenig, Khori Louis, and Arkansas transfer Taylor Head were honored on the 2024 ACC Volleyball Preseason All-ACC Team, marking a high point for FSU volleyball.

🏈 Offense Struggles While Defense Shines on Day 7 of FSU Preseason Camp FSU's seventh day of preseason camp saw the offense face challenges, while the defense excelled. Key players like DJ Uiagalelei, Malik Benson, Cam Riley, and Ricky Knight stood out.

🥎 FSU Baseball Secures Top-Ranked High School Commit Florida State baseball secured top-ranked catcher Hunter Carns after the MLB Draft signing deadline, along with other high-ranking recruits, strengthening the team for the upcoming season.

📺⚖️ FSU vs. ACC: Potential Early End to TV Deal and Legal Battles Legal documents indicate the ACC’s TV deal with ESPN could end by 2027, impacting FSU and Clemson’s media rights and exit fees, leading to ongoing legal battles.

🌟 Four FSU Players Named to Preseason All-ACC Team 🌟

Four standout Florida State football players were named to the preseason All-ACC team Thursday following a vote by attending media at last week's ACC Kickoff. FSU is also projected to defend its ACC Championship as preseason ACC champions.

Offensive Standouts:

  • Darius Washington: The offensive tackle from Pensacola led the voting for offensive linemen with 93 votes. Washington has started 37 of his 47 games, contributing to FSU's top-ranked ACC scoring offense and total touchdowns.

  • Maurice Smith: The center from Miami earned 62 votes. Smith, a two-time All-ACC selection, started all 12 games in 2023, helping the Seminoles to their 16th ACC title.

Defensive Star:

  • Joshua Farmer: The defensive tackle from Port St. Joe received the most votes on the defensive line with 75. Farmer recorded 32 tackles, 7.0 for loss, and 5.0 sacks last season, earning second-team All-ACC recognition.

Special Teams Ace:

  • Alex Mastromanno: The punter from Melbourne, Australia, earned 81 votes. Mastromanno, a second-team All-American in 2023, averaged 45.5 yards over 66 punts and was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award.

Notable Achievements:

  • Darius Washington: Key player in FSU's offensive success, leading the ACC in multiple categories.

  • Maurice Smith: Integral in protecting ACC Player of the Year Jordan Travis.

  • Joshua Farmer: Named FSU's Most Improved Defensive Player last season.

  • Alex Mastromanno: Helped FSU rank third nationally in net punting average.

Maurice Smith Named to Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List 🏆

Redshirt senior offensive lineman Maurice Smith has been named to the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, recognizing his exceptional community service and leadership on and off the field.

Career Highlights:

  • Experience: Started in 41 of his 45 appearances at Florida State.

  • All-ACC Selection: Two-time All-ACC honoree and All-ACC Academic Team member.

  • 2023 Season: Started all 12 games, contributing to FSU's 13-0 regular season and 16th ACC title. Key blocker for an offense that led the conference in multiple categories, including scoring and total touchdowns.

Community Service:

  • Active Participant: Involved in various community service events, including recurring and needs-based assistance.

  • Tornado Relief: Helped serve over 1,000 families affected by a tornado in Tallahassee.

  • Ongoing Involvement: Regularly participates with organizations like FSU Childcare and Early Learning Center, Boys & Girls Club, Boys Town, Sabal Palm Elementary, Hope to Dream, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Also active with Second Harvest and youth football camps.

Award Timeline:

  • Nominee: Florida State's candidate for the Allstate Good Works Team.

  • Previous Winner: Former teammate Dillan Gibbons won the Wuerffel Trophy in 2022.

  • Winner Announcement: The Wuerffel Trophy winner will be named during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 12.

Seminoles Shine in Olympic Women's Football Tournament 🌟

Four former Florida State Seminoles have made it to the knockout stage of the 2024 Summer Olympic Women's Football Tournament, representing the United States and Canada.

United States Squad:

  • Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger, and Emily Sams: These former Seminoles contributed to the U.S. team's dominance in Group B, securing victories over Zambia, Germany, and Australia. Krueger and Nighswonger appeared in all three games as substitutes, combining for 125 minutes of play and aiding in a clean sheet against Zambia.

Canada Squad:

  • Gabby Carle: Initially selected as an alternate, Carle was promoted to a starting role due to injuries within the squad. She started the opening two games against New Zealand and France, playing nearly 150 minutes and contributing to a clean sheet against Colombia, helping Canada advance.

Nigeria Squad:

  • Onyi Echegini: Echegini helped Nigeria qualify for the Olympics for the first time in over 15 years, scoring their first Olympic goal since 2008 in a match against Japan. Despite her efforts, Nigeria was eliminated in the group stage.

Upcoming Quarterfinal Matches:

  • United States vs. Japan: A rematch of the 2011 and 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Finals, set for 9 a.m. ET on Saturday.

  • Canada vs. Germany: Defending gold medalists Canada will face off against the 2016 gold medalists Germany at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday.

Three Seminoles Named to ACC Volleyball Preseason All-ACC Team 🏐

Three Florida State Seminoles were honored by being named to the 2024 ACC Volleyball Preseason All-ACC Team. Returning All-ACC players Audrey Koenig and Khori Louis, along with Arkansas transfer Taylor Head, were selected for the 18-person team. This marks FSU's most preseason All-ACC selections since 2015, tying a program record.

Key Players:

Audrey Koenig:

  • 2023 Highlights: ACC Co-Player of the Year, First Team All-ACC.

  • Career Bests: 374 kills, 3.37 kills per set, .300 hitting percentage, 306 digs.

  • Milestone: Aiming to surpass 1,000 career kills, becoming the sixth Seminole in the rally scoring era to do so.

  • Defensive Prowess: Second on the team with 306 digs last season.

Khori Louis:

  • 2023 Highlights: Career-high 271 kills, .432 hitting percentage (4th in the nation, 5th in FSU history).

  • Defensive Role: Top returning blocker with 93 total blocks.

Taylor Head (Transfer from Arkansas):

  • 2023 Highlights: Third Team All-American, Elite Eight appearance with Arkansas.

  • Career Stats: 494 kills (top 20 in the country, second in the SEC), 36 aces, 406 digs, 59 blocks.

  • All-Around Play: Notable for her contributions in kills, digs, aces, and blocks.

Team Outlook:

  • Preseason Ranking: Defending ACC Co-Champions picked to finish fifth in the country behind Pitt, Stanford, Louisville, and Georgia Tech.

  • Consistency: 14 consecutive seasons ranked in the top five of the preseason poll.

Upcoming Event:

  • Garnet and Gold Scrimmage: Fans can see the team in action at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 16.

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Offense Struggles While Defense Shines on Day 7 of FSU Preseason Camp 🏈

Florida State's seventh day of preseason camp revealed some challenges on the offensive side, with Coach Mike Norvell describing the practice as "sloppy." Despite the miscues, the defense capitalized on opportunities, showcasing impressive plays throughout the session.

Key Observations:

Offensive Highlights:

  • Quarterbacks: DJ Uiagalelei delivered several impressive throws, including a sliding catch by Malik Benson and a long pass to Ja'Khi Douglas. Brock Glenn also showed promise with a strike to Lawayne McCoy and a 60-yard TD to Micahi Danzy.

  • Running Game: Kam Davis and Caziah Holmes had notable runs, with Davis displaying impressive vision and tempo.

  • Standout Performers: Keiondre Jones excelled in run blocking, while Jeremiah Byers, Darius Washington, and Maurice Smith showed well in pass protection.

Defensive Highlights:

  • Strong Coverage: CB Azareye'h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress II provided sticky coverage, winning multiple 1-on-1 reps.

  • Playmakers: Freshman CB Ricky Knight had a diving interception, while LB Cam Riley returned an interception for a touchdown.

  • Defensive Line Dominance: Darrell Jackson and Joshua Farmer were disruptive, with multiple tackles for loss and pressure on the quarterbacks.

Notable Plays:

  • Azareye'h Thomas vs. Malik Benson: A day filled with competitive battles, Thomas often out-physicaled Benson, but Benson responded with remarkable catches.

  • Freshman Impact: WR Lawayne McCoy continued to impress, despite some drops, and LB Cam Riley made significant plays, including a pick-six.

  • Special Teams: PK Jake Weinberg nailed a 47-yard field goal, and P Alex Mastromanno showcased his punting versatility and power.

Additional Notes:

  • Consistency Needed: Norvell highlighted the need for more consistent execution on offense, with too many drops and turnovers noted during the practice.

  • Positive Moments: Despite the offensive struggles, there were bright spots, including strong blocking from the offensive line and standout performances from newcomers.

Florida State will look to refine their execution as they prepare for their upcoming scrimmage on Saturday evening, with an eye towards their season opener in Ireland against Georgia Tech.

Read more here and here.

FSU Baseball Secures Top-Ranked High School Commit 🥎

With the 2024 MLB Draft signing deadline now behind us, Florida State baseball has secured its top-ranked high school commit, catcher Hunter Carns. Despite being selected in the 20th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Carns did not sign, as expected.

Hunter Carns:

  • Draft and Rankings: Selected in the 20th round by the Diamondbacks, Carns was projected to go in the first three rounds. Ranked No. 12 in the 2024 high school recruiting class by Perfect Game.

  • Significance: He is the fourth-highest-ranked player to reach campus and the second-highest since 2018, trailing only Nander De Sedas (No. 6 in the 2018 class).

  • Background: Attended First Coast High School in Jacksonville. At 19 years old, he will be sophomore-draft eligible next season.

  • Physical Stats: Stands six feet tall and weighs 195 pounds.

Other Notable Recruits:

  • Myles Bailey: Local first baseman, also drafted in the 20th round by the Chicago White Sox, has confirmed he will stay in Tallahassee. Bailey is the top-ranked first baseman in the class.

  • Noah Sheffield: Middle infielder ranked No. 160.

  • Matt Hoag: Left-handed pitcher ranked No. 164.

  • Jace Estes: Middle infielder.

  • Rhett Vaughn: Right-handed pitcher (Tommy John surgery).

Recruitment Overview:

  • Quantity and Quality: FSU's high school commits are few, with just six reaching campus, but four are ranked in Perfect Game's top 200.

  • Newcomers: In total, the Seminoles will welcome 18 newcomers, including seven from the transfer portal and five from junior colleges.

These additions are poised to strengthen FSU baseball as they prepare for the upcoming season, bringing a mix of high-ranking high school talent and experienced transfers to the roster.

FSU vs. ACC: Potential Early End to TV Deal and Legal Battles 📺⚖️

Florida State and Clemson are embroiled in a legal battle with the ACC over the conference's long-term TV deal with ESPN, potentially ending sooner than expected. Key documents released by the ACC suggest that the agreement could terminate in 2027 rather than 2036, significantly impacting the schools' media rights and exit fees.

Key Points:

  • Redacted Documents: The ACC released redacted TV contracts following a legal challenge by Florida’s attorney general.

  • Possible Early Termination: Section 14.1 of the 2016 contract indicates ESPN can choose to extend the agreement to 2036, but must decide by February 2025. This supports FSU’s claim from their December lawsuit.

  • Financial Implications: If the contract and Grant of Rights are enforceable through 2036, FSU and Clemson could face over $500 million in exit fees.

Legal Actions:

  • FSU's Lawsuit: Florida State is suing the ACC in Leon County, Florida.

  • Clemson's Lawsuit: Clemson is suing the ACC in South Carolina.

  • ACC's Response: The ACC is counter-suing both schools in North Carolina.

Statements and Reactions:

  • Attorney General Ashley Moody: "In a victory for transparency, the ACC has made documents available that are at the center of FSU’s legal fight with the conference."

Upcoming Developments:

  • Extension Decision Deadline: ESPN must decide whether to extend the contract by February 2025.

  • Potential Impact: An early termination could lead to renegotiations and shifts in conference affiliations for FSU and Clemson.

And that’s a wrap!

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