🏹 August 6th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Olympians, Recruits, and Award Watch Lists

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The Chief
August 06, 2024

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Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Tuesday, Seminole!

There are still some bands from Hurricane Debby in Northeast Florida but we’re hoping you stayed dry.

Here’s the docket for you today:

🏀 Seminole Alumni Shine in Olympic Women's Basketball Quarterfinals 🏀
Catch the thrilling updates as FSU women's basketball alumni Leonor Rodriguez, Leticia Romero, and Maria Conde compete in the Olympic quarterfinals against Belgium, showcasing their exceptional skills and teamwork.

🏊‍♂️ Seminole Swimmers Set National Records at Olympics 🏊‍♀️
FSU swimming and diving alumni Emma Terebo and Max McCusker make waves at the Olympic Games, setting national records in the 4x100 medley relay and demonstrating their elite athletic prowess on the world stage.

🌟 DJ Uiagalelei Named to Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List 🌟
FSU quarterback DJ Uiagalelei continues to garner accolades, being named to the Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List. Learn about his impressive career and his potential to secure one of college football's most prestigious awards.

🏈 FSU's Flip Targets for the 2025 Recruiting Class 🏈
Explore the latest insights on FSU football's recruiting efforts as they aim to flip several top prospects committed to other programs. Get the scoop on key targets and their potential impact on the Seminoles' future.

🏈 Five-Star OT Josh Petty Nears College Decision 🏈
Roswell's five-star offensive tackle Josh Petty is just days away from announcing his college decision. Discover the emotions and considerations leading up to this pivotal moment in his recruitment journey.

🌪️ Hurricane Debby Doesn't Halt FSU Practice: Shyheim Brown Shines 🌪️
Despite Hurricane Debby's impact, FSU's practice continued with standout performances, particularly from junior safety Shyheim Brown. Get an inside look at how the team adapted and excelled in challenging conditions.

🏈 FSU Enters 2024 Season as Top 10 Team in US LBM Coaches Poll 🏈
Florida State football kicks off the 2024 season with a Top 10 ranking in the US LBM Coaches Poll. Read about the expectations and challenges ahead for the Seminoles as they strive for excellence this season.

🏀 Seminole Alumni Shine in Olympic Women's Basketball Quarterfinals 🏀

Florida State women's basketball alumni Leonor Rodriguez, Leticia Romero, and Maria Conde are set to compete in the Olympic quarterfinals against Belgium. The game will take place on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. (ET) at the Bercy Arena.

Spain's Road to the Knockout Rounds:

  • Group A Success: Spain went undefeated (3-0) in Group A, advancing to the knockout rounds for the third consecutive Olympics.

  • Thrilling Victories:

    • Against China, Rodriguez tied the game 76-76 with a crucial three-point shot, leading Spain to a 90-89 overtime win with her 25 points.

    • Versus Puerto Rico, Spain rallied in the fourth quarter to win 63-62, with Rodriguez contributing 17 points.

    • Conde led Spain with 15 points in their 70-62 victory over Serbia after returning from injury.

Player Contributions:

  • Leonor Rodriguez: Key player in Spain's victories, scoring 25 and 17 points in crucial games.

  • Maria Conde: Led Spain with 15 points in the win against Serbia.

  • Leticia Romero: Played in two games, contributing two assists and two rebounds.

Spain will face Belgium in what promises to be an exciting quarterfinal match.

🏊‍♂️ Seminole Swimmers Set National Records at Olympics 🏊‍♀️

Florida State swimming and diving alumni Emma Terebo and Max McCusker wrapped up the swimming portion of the Olympic Games with outstanding performances, setting national records as part of their respective 4x100 medley relay teams.

Record-Breaking Performances:

  • Max McCusker: Swam the fly leg for Ireland's men's 4x100 medley relay on August 3, finishing 11th with a national record time of 3:33.81.

  • Emma Terebo: Led off the women's 4x100 medley relay heats for France, helping the team advance to the final in seventh place with a time of 3:57.40. In the final, Terebo turned in her fastest 100 back of the meet, splitting 59.00 and leading France to a sixth-place finish with a new national record time of 3:56.29.

Notable Achievements:

  • Five Seminoles secured national records while competing at the Olympics.

  • Peter Varjasi and Emma Terebo competed in finals, showcasing their elite performances on the world stage.

2024 Olympics Results:

  • July 27: Peter Varjasi (Germany) - Men's 4x100 free relay - 7th, 3:12.29 *National Record

  • July 28: Ida Hulkko (Finland) - Women's 100 breast - 26th, 1:08.73; Max Wilson (U.S. Virgin Islands) - Men's 100 back - 27th, 54.49 *National Record

  • July 29: Emma Terebo (France) - Women's 100 back - 8th, 59.50

  • July 30: Gloria Muzito (Uganda) - Women's 100 free - 22nd, 55.95 *National Record; Julio Horrego (Honduras) - Men's 200 breast - 24th, 2:18.91; Emma Terebo - Women's 100 back final - 7th, 59.40

  • August 1: Emma Terebo (France) - Women's 200 back - 9th, 2:09.38

  • August 3: Max McCusker (Ireland) - Men's 4x100 medley - 11th, 3:33.81 National Record; Emma Terebo (France) - Women's 4x100 medley - 6th, 3:56.29 National Record

🌟 DJ Uiagalelei Named to Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List 🌟

Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has been named to the prestigious Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List, adding to his spot on the Maxwell Award Watch List for the nation's outstanding player.

Career Highlights:

  • Overall Record: Started 40 games with a 30-10 record.

  • Total Offense: Accounted for 9,451 yards, including 8,319 passing yards and 57 passing touchdowns, along with 1,132 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns.

Transfer to FSU:

  • Previous School: Transferred from Oregon State.

  • 2023 Season: Davey O'Brien Award semifinalist with 2,638 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 219 rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns. His 21 passing touchdowns were the sixth-most in a season for the Beavers.

Clemson Tenure:

  • Top-10 Rankings: Ranks top-10 in Clemson history for completions, passing touchdowns, quarterback rushing touchdowns, passing yards, and wins as the starting quarterback.

  • Total Touchdowns: Recorded 51 total touchdowns with a 22-6 record as the starting quarterback.

Historical Significance:

  • Florida State has won the Walter Camp Player of the Year twice before:

    • Jameis Winston in 2013

    • Charlie Ward in 1993

Uiagalelei's impressive track record and his potential for the upcoming season make him a strong contender for one of college football's most coveted awards.

Meet Your New Dinner Date: Purple Carrot Plant-Based Meals

Introducing your secret weapon against boring, tasteless meals: Purple Carrot.

Purple Carrot is the leader in plant-based eating, providing busy, health-conscious people like you with access to high-quality, hard-to-find plant-based products.

They offer chef-prepared, fully plant-based meals that are ready to eat in under two minutes, plus meal kits that give you everything you need to make your plant-based dishes - in the exact quantity you need so nothing gets wasted! You can also choose from a variety of nutritious, plant-based grocery items from their fully stocked “plantry.”

Purple Carrot lets you customize your plan and pick any combination of meal kits, prepared meals, and grocery items that suits your needs, tastes, and budget. Whatever your unique order looks like, you can trust that your nutritious meals will be loaded with flavor.

This summer, Purple Carrot is ushering in the warm weather with five vibrant seasonal meals, including Sticky Mango Tofu with Quinoa and Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Blistered Tomato Salad.

🏈 FSU's Flip Targets for the 2025 Recruiting Class 🏈

Florida State football, with 13 recruits committed, currently holds the No. 17 ranked class in the country. However, they're not finished yet and are targeting several prospects committed to other programs. Here's the latest intel on FSU's flip targets for the 2025 recruiting class:

4-star LB TJ Alford

  • Committed to: Ohio State

  • The Latest: Despite committing to Ohio State, Tarvos Alford of Vero Beach, Fla., has indicated that FSU has the best chance to change his mind. While flipping him from OSU is a long shot, the Seminoles will continue their efforts, especially given their need at the linebacker position.

4-star LB Tavion Wallace

  • Committed to: Arkansas

  • The Latest: Tavion Wallace's decision to commit to Arkansas over FSU, Georgia, and Florida was surprising. FSU was considered the leader for much of his recruitment and needs his commitment to bolster their linebacker corps. The Seminoles will keep pushing until National Signing Day in December.

4-star DB Tony Williams

  • Committed to: UCF

  • The Latest: FSU is exploring the possibility of flipping Tony Williams from UCF. Williams, now at Miami Central High School, has been in consistent communication with FSU. While no flip is imminent, FSU is actively pursuing him and believes they have a decent shot if they ramp up their efforts.

5-star WR Dallas Wilson

  • Committed to: Oregon

  • The Latest: Despite his commitment to Oregon, Dallas Wilson continues to consider FSU. He plans to visit Tallahassee for FSU's home game against Florida in late November. While Miami is also a strong contender, this recruitment is expected to be competitive until the very end.

3-star OT Sean Poret

  • Committed to: USF

  • The Latest: Sean Poret came onto FSU's radar in May and has since attended multiple camps, including the Seminole Showcase in July. Although he committed to USF in late June, FSU remains interested and continues to monitor his progress, considering him a potential target in the future.

🏈 Five-Star OT Josh Petty Nears College Decision 🏈

Roswell (Ga.) Fellowship Christian School's five-star offensive tackle Josh Petty is one week away from making his highly anticipated college announcement. Speaking at the Corky Kell Luncheon in Atlanta, Ga., Petty shared his mixed emotions as decision day approaches.

Emotions and Preparation:

  • Feelings: "Heading into decision day, things are hectic, things are crazy," Petty said. "There is joy, excitement, nervousness, and a little bit of everything going on."

  • Decision Process: Petty is still contemplating his choice and will discuss it further with his family. "I've thought about it. I've prayed about it, but I wouldn't say I have a 100% clear answer just yet."

Official Visits:

Petty took official visits in June to Stanford, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Ohio State, and Florida State. While all five schools remain in the mix, the decision is believed to be primarily between Florida State, Georgia Tech, and Ohio State.

Recent Visits:

  • Georgia Tech: Petty recently visited Georgia Tech with some of his schoolmates. "The education is the first piece I've got to talk about. My dad has been drilling that on me since I was a kid," he said. He also praised the coaching staff and the impressive performance of the offensive line.

  • Florida State: FSU reached out to Petty's dad, inviting him for a visit. "I love it down there," Petty said, emphasizing his strong connection with Coach Atkins and the consistent recruitment efforts from the Seminoles.

Insights and Key Influences:

  • FSU: Petty highlighted Coach Atkins' recruitment and development efforts. "Just Coach Atkins is kind of a special guy. He has been out there doing his thing for a while now. Offensive coordinator. He is really one of those guys for me."

  • Georgia Tech: Petty appreciated the educational opportunities and the strong offensive line room. "The coaching staff and the o-line room there... they are pushing that o-line and making it one of the best rushing offenses in the league."

Petty is finalizing the details for his announcement next Monday. The lone prediction on the 247Sports.com Crystal Ball is currently in favor of FSU.

Stay tuned for the announcement as Josh Petty makes his decision.

🌪️ Hurricane Debby Doesn't Halt FSU Practice: Shyheim Brown Shines 🌪️

Despite Hurricane Debby's landfall in north Florida early Monday morning, the storm veered east enough to allow Florida State to conduct its scheduled practice. The Seminoles utilized their Indoor Practice Facility but also took advantage of the rain and wind for some outdoor drills, preparing for their season opener in Ireland.

Practice Highlights:

  • Weather Preparation: Coach Mike Norvell had quarterbacks and receivers practice in the rain and wind to simulate challenging game conditions. He emphasized keeping passes tight and low to avoid the wind.

  • Indoor Drills: Inside the facility, the team engaged in extensive 11-on-11, 7-on-7, and 1-on-1 drills, resulting in numerous standout plays on both offense and defense.

Shyheim Brown's Dominance:

  • All-American Performance: Junior safety Shyheim Brown was a standout, excelling in run support, pass breakups, and sniffing out trick plays. His impressive showing prompted praise from Coach Norvell, who emphasized Brown's potential to transition from good to great this season.

Competitive Plays:

  • Goal Line Situations: In early goal-line drills, DJ Uiagalelei ran for a touchdown but also faced a sack by Joshua Farmer. Brown continued his dominance by breaking up a pass to Kyle Morlock and thwarting a trick play.

  • Fourth-Down Plays: Uiagalelei connected with Morlock but missed a sliding receiver. The defense, led by Omar Graham Jr. and Ashlynd Barker, stopped several offensive plays.

  • Offensive Highlights: Luke Kromenhoek and Brock Glenn made significant plays, including a 25-yard pass to Jaylin Lucas and a 40-yard throw to Amaree Williams.

1-on-1 Drills:

  • Defensive Wins: The defense controlled early action with pass breakups by Quindarrius Jones and Conrad Hussey. Shyheim Brown forced an incompletion, and Charles Lester intercepted a pass from Glenn.

  • Offensive Responses: Uiagalelei connected with Malik Benson for a long touchdown, and Kromenhoek completed several passes, including a bomb to freshman WR BJ Gibson.

Coach Norvell's Reflections:

  • Overall Assessment: Norvell praised the defense's energy and the offense's technique and fundamentals. He highlighted the run game's physicality and the passing game's explosive potential.

  • Situational Awareness: Emphasizing the importance of situational awareness, Norvell noted the team's progress in transitioning from down-to-down and handling various game scenarios.

Future Plans:

  • Jacksonville Practices: Despite the storm, FSU plans to proceed with their practice sessions in Jacksonville. Contingency plans are in place to ensure player safety and continue preparation for the upcoming season.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Seminoles continue to refine their skills and build towards their season opener against Georgia Tech in Dublin.

Read more here and here

🏈 FSU Enters 2024 Season as Top 10 Team in US LBM Coaches Poll 🏈

Florida State football kicks off the 2024 season ranked No. 10 in the US LBM Coaches Poll by USA Today, a testament to the high expectations for the Seminoles this year.

This ranking makes FSU the highest-ranked team in the ACC and the top-ranked team outside the Big Ten and SEC, with only independent Notre Dame ahead of them.

Top 10 Teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll:

  1. Georgia - 46 first-place votes

  2. Ohio State - 7 first-place votes

  3. Oregon

  4. Texas - 1 first-place vote

  5. Alabama

  6. Ole Miss

  7. Notre Dame - 1 first-place vote

  8. Michigan

  9. Penn State

  10. Florida State

Key Points:

  • ACC's Top Team: FSU stands as the leading team in the ACC.

  • National Recognition: The Seminoles are the first team outside the Big Ten or SEC to make the Top 10.

  • Tough Schedule: FSU will face three other ranked teams in 2024 - Notre Dame (No. 7), Clemson (No. 14), and Miami (No. 19).

And that’s a wrap!

Thanks for checking in with us today, we’re getting close to football season and the Olympics are in full swing so we will be sure to keep you updated each day.

Go Noles!

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