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Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Monday, Seminole!

🔥 Fall Camp Intel: Early Risers and Standouts at FSU 🔥
FSU’s preseason practices may be closed to media, but insider reports are offering a clear takeaway—this team’s top-end talent looks strong, especially on offense. Tommy Castellanos is leading with energy, the running back room has two early risers in Kromah and Sawchuk, and Elijah Moore plus Jayvan Boggs are flashing behind the portal stars. Defensively, Darrell Jackson Jr. and James Williams headline a unit that’s physically imposing but still building consistency.

💪 James Williams Embraces the Grind at FSU
After transferring from Nebraska, James Williams has reshaped his body, refined his mindset, and bought into the intense coaching of Terrance Knighton. Now up 20 pounds and embracing Florida heat and a strict carnivore diet, Williams is fighting to evolve beyond his pass-rush reputation.

🗣️ Big Voices, Bigger Impact: FSU’s Locker Room Energy Shift
The biggest change in FSU’s 2025 roster might not be physical—it’s cultural. Tommy Castellanos and Jeremiah Wilson are setting a new standard of vocal leadership, accountability, and emotional presence. Coaches say this group is tighter, tougher, and far more resilient than last year’s team that unraveled under pressure.

🧠 CEO Norvell: How FSU’s Head Coach Has Evolved
By stepping back from playcalling, Mike Norvell is leaning deeper into leadership. According to Chris Thomsen, this version of Norvell is more present, more hands-on, and more focused on coaching coaches and elevating the program’s overall discipline.

🌟 Elijah Moore’s Moment? WR Taking a Big Leap
Last season, Elijah Moore looked the part in practice—but rarely saw the field. That’s changing. With a better grasp of the playbook, improved conditioning, and a new mindset toward Norvell’s tough love, Moore is trending toward being a breakout WR3 behind Duce Robinson and Squirrel White.

🛡️ “I’m a Seminole.” – Mekhi Williams Holding Firm
Despite aggressive pushback from schools like Miami and Texas, 2026 safety commit Mekhi Williams says he’s locked in with FSU. The instinctive playmaker with six interceptions last fall is staying grounded, citing strong relationships with the Seminole coaching staff and a clear fit in their system.

🏀 Little Jackie, Big Game – Meet LaJae Jones
LaJae Jones brings elite shooting, championship pedigree, and a deep family basketball legacy to FSU Hoops. The 6’4” wing, who once drained nine straight threes in a scrimmage, followed in his dad’s footsteps from JUCO All-American to Division I standout.

Let’s get into the stories behind the stars—👇

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🗒️ Fall Camp Intel: Early Risers and Standouts at FSU 🗒️ 

With preseason practices closed to the media, insider sources are helping paint the early picture for Florida State’s 2025 squad—and the reviews are promising, especially for the starting offense.

🏈 Offense Snapshot:
• QB Tommy Castellanos is commanding the first-team offense with energy and fluidity
• RBs Ousmane Kromah (true freshman) and Gavin Sawchuk (Oklahoma transfer) have emerged early
• WR Elijah Moore and WR Jayvan Boggs are flashing as key breakout candidates behind Duce Robinson and Squirrel White
• OL holding strong up front—health is the key to unlocking offensive upside

🛡️ Defensive Buzz:
• DT Darrell Jackson Jr. looks physically dominant at 337 lbs and moves like a man half his size
• DE James Williams is drawing praise for motor and effort
• Jaden Jones and true freshmen Desir, Desir, and Wynn are early D-line contributors
• Amaree Williams and Deamonte Diggs are expected to contribute as pass-rush specialists

🔒 Secondary Competition:
• CB Jeremiah Wilson is locking down reps and emerging as a leader
• Ja'Bril Rawls and Quindarrius Jones are also battling for starting corner spots
• Edwin Joseph, Earl Little Jr., and KJ Kirkland are trending at safety, while Shyheim Brown has been rotating with the twos
• Cai Bates is the top second-year corner pushing for rotation snaps

📌 What It Means:
FSU's starting talent on both sides of the ball is impressing early. But the season could come down to whether depth develops behind key contributors before Week 1 against Alabama.

👉 Full breakdown of camp whispers, position battles, and standout performances.

💪 James Williams Embraces the Grind at FSU 💪

Since arriving from Nebraska, defensive lineman James Williams has been on a mission: to evolve from pass-rush specialist to complete defensive force—and he’s loving every minute of the journey.

🛠️ Growth On and Off the Field:
• Gained 20 pounds since enrolling (now 6'6", 259 lbs)
• Adapting to Florida’s heat with daily weight loss of 6–7 pounds per practice
• Following a strict carnivore diet (with help from his fiancée) to maximize performance
• Embracing the mental side: “If you’re not happy, you’re not giving full effort. At FSU, I’m very, very happy.”

🔥 Day 1 Reflections:
• First padded practice had “ups and downs” as the defense adjusted to the tempo and humidity
• Williams said the D-line regrouped mid-practice, finishing strong with more intensity
• Emphasized the need for fast starts to match the offense’s speed

🎯 Development Focus:
• Acknowledges he’s long been known as a pass-rush threat, but wants to improve as a run stopper
• Coach Terrance “T-Knight” Knighton has pushed him hard in that area, noting: “There’s never anything that’s good enough.”
• The duo shares a strong bond, with Williams trusting T-Knight’s relentless standards

📌 Why It Matters:
Williams has all the physical traits to be a breakout star for FSU this fall. If his development as an every-down lineman keeps pace with his mindset, he could be a major difference-maker in 2025.

👉 Full quotes and player insights from Williams’ first media availability of fall camp.

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🗣️ Big Voices, Bigger Impact: FSU’s Locker Room Energy Shift 🗣️

Florida State’s 2025 roster isn’t just deeper—it’s louder, prouder, and more self-assured than the team that spiraled last season. And according to Warchant’s insiders, that difference in personality might be just as important as any on-field upgrade.

🔥 The New Vibe:
Players like Tommy Castellanos, Jeremiah Wilson, and Duce Robinson aren’t just confident—they’re contagious. These guys radiate energy, and it’s reshaping the tone inside FSU’s locker room.

• Wilson already commands respect—down to holding teammates accountable for cleat color
• Castellanos and Wilson “bounce accountability” off each other
• Their vocal leadership is bringing cohesion that was sorely lacking in 2024

🧠 Coaching Perspective:
Coach Mike Norvell isn’t interested in empty hype. He says players like Wilson are the real deal because their love for the game is obvious, and it pushes the team to new standards. The key difference? They pair big personalities with real discipline and relentless effort.

🗣️ Norvell:

📌 Why It Matters:
Last year’s squad lacked leadership when adversity hit. This year’s group looks more emotionally equipped to weather storms—and possibly elevate each other in the process. Warchant’s takeaway? Great FSU teams always had magnetic, high-energy leaders. This group might have them again.

👉 Full opinion column and player interviews from camp week one.

🧠 CEO Norvell: How FSU’s Head Coach Has Evolved 🧠

Mike Norvell’s shift away from offensive playcalling isn’t just a tactical adjustment—it’s reshaping how he leads Florida State’s entire football program.

🎙️ Inside Insight from Chris Thomsen:
Deputy Head Coach and longtime Norvell confidant Chris Thomsen sees the change firsthand. After six years working under Norvell, he says this is the most hands-on and well-rounded version of the coach he’s seen yet.

• “He’s able to coach all the coaches more now,” Thomsen said
• “Accountability is really high when you have a head coach in the CEO role”

📊 Why It’s Working:
With playcalling duties now handled by OC Gus Malzahn and DC Tony White, Norvell’s able to zoom out—and zoom in—on everything from player development to positional execution and staff cohesion.

• Thomsen: “I’m getting coached more across the board now, not just on offense.”
• Norvell’s trust in his staff is at an all-time high, and that clarity is trickling down.

📌 Big Picture:
Norvell’s evolution mirrors FSU’s broader transformation: more leadership depth, more structure, and more focus. It’s a strategic shift that could pay off big as the ‘Noles gear up for a pivotal 2025 season.

👉 Read the full breakdown on Norvell’s leadership shift.

🌟 Elijah Moore’s Moment? WR Taking a Big Leap 🌟

After a redshirt freshman year with limited opportunities, Elijah Moore is starting to show signs he’s ready for a major role in Florida State’s 2025 offense.

🧠 What Changed:
Moore played just 30 snaps last season—but the 6-foot-4 wideout has emerged early in fall camp as a more confident, physical, and assignment-sound receiver.
He credits that to better understanding the offense, maturing under hard coaching, and leaning on veteran leadership.

🗣️ Coach Norvell:

Moore admitted last year he didn’t always know where to line up or how to respond to Norvell’s intensity—but now he embraces it.

📈 Why It Matters:
FSU already boasts portal stars in Duce Robinson and Squirrel White, but Moore’s growth could give the ‘Noles the kind of 3rd WR threat they lacked in 2024.

With added muscle, improved confidence, and a deeper grasp of the playbook, Moore could be one of the biggest sophomore risers on the roster.

🔁 Read more about his journey and potential breakout year.

🛡️ “I’m a Seminole.” – Mekhi Williams Holding Firm 🛡️

Despite growing interest from major programs like Miami, Texas, and UCF, 2026 safety Mekhi Williams says he’s staying locked in with Florida State.

The Ruskin (Fla.) Lennard standout committed to FSU in March, and even with new offers pouring in—including a visit to Coral Gables on his radar—he told Rivals:

💬 On FSU:

Williams is widely regarded as one of the top safeties in Florida, racking up six interceptions in just 10 games as a sophomore last season. As the fall progresses, expect Norvell’s staff to keep the pressure on to retain one of their most instinctive 2026 commits.

🔁 Read more on his recruitment battle.

🏀 Little Jackie, Big Game – Meet LaJae Jones 🏀

Before a recent summer practice, FSU basketball coach Luke Loucks gathered his team to show a highlight clip. On screen: LaJae Jones, draining nine straight three-pointers during a scrimmage.

Jones, a 6’4” sharpshooter with a 6’10” wingspan, arrives from St. Bonaventure, where he averaged 10.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and nearly 40% from beyond the arc. But his journey started long before the Bonnies—his father, Jackie Jones, was an All-American at Barton C.C., played at Oklahoma, and even signed with the Dallas Mavericks.

LaJae’s path mirrors his dad’s: he followed Jackie to Barton, where he led the Cougars to a 36–1 record and national title, earning JUCO All-American honors and MVP of the national tournament.

Now, at FSU, Jones is chasing a degree in social science and a bigger dream—elevating his game under a coaching staff with NBA pedigree.

🎯 Whether it’s draining threes or honoring his family legacy, LaJae’s story is just getting started in Tallahassee.

📝 Read the full background on Jones' journey.

And that’s a wrap!

That’s all for today’s intel-packed edition. From locker room leaders and rising stars to revamped coaching dynamics, this team feels more mature—and more dangerous—than last year’s group. We’ll keep you in the loop as position battles heat up and preseason stories evolve.

— The Chief Brief