🏹 August 7th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Olympic Dreams, Training Camp Standouts, and Recruiting Buzz 🌟

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The Chief
August 07, 2024

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy humpday, Seminole!

Here is the midweek docket we’ve got for you:

⛳️ Metraux Heads to Paris Olympics 🌍

Former FSU golfer Morgane Metraux represents Switzerland in the 2024 Paris Olympics, making her Olympic debut at Le Golf National.

⚽️ Seminoles Start Season at No. 1 πŸ†

FSU soccer starts the season as No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll, gearing up for a strong season with a top-ranked recruiting class.

πŸ‡»πŸ‡ͺ JimΓ©nez Joins Venezuela U-20 Squad 🌎

Senior midfielder Marianyela JimΓ©nez is named to Venezuela’s U-20 Women's World Cup team, set to compete in Colombia.

πŸ€ Seminoles to Face Rice in Houston Showdown 🌟

FSU basketball will play Rice in the Battleground 2K Hoops doubleheader in Houston, focusing on community engagement.

🏈 Seminoles Prep for Jacksonville Camp 🌴

FSU wraps up special teams practice, highlighting standout performances from DJ Uiagalelei, Malik Benson, and more.

πŸ† Seminoles Shine in "Freaks List" 🌟

Darrell Jackson Jr. and Joshua Farmer represent FSU in Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List" of the most athletically gifted players in college football.

πŸ“ˆ FSU Recruiting Update: August Watchlist πŸ”

FSU's recruiting class looks promising with recent commitments and upcoming decisions from top prospects.

πŸ¦… Johnny Wilson Shines in Eagles Training Camp 🌟

Former FSU WR Johnny Wilson impresses in Philadelphia Eagles training camp, vying for a WR3 spot.

🏈 DeLoach Impresses in Buccaneers Training Camp 🌟

Kalen DeLoach makes a strong impression with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning a spot on the second team in their first unofficial depth chart.

⛳️ Metraux Heads to Paris Olympics 🌍

Seminole Alum in Paris
Morgane Metraux, former FSU golfer and All-American (2017-2018), represents Switzerland in the 2024 Paris Olympics Women's Golf Championship. A business administration graduate (2018), Metraux competes at Le Golf National from Aug. 7-10.

Olympic Debut
In her Olympic debut, Metraux tees off at 5:06 a.m. local time alongside Azahara Munoz (Spain) and Bianca Pagdanganan (Philippines).

Reflecting on the Opportunity
"It's really cool to play in the Olympics and represent Switzerland," Metraux said. Previously, she missed Tokyo 2020 due to LPGA qualifying commitments but seized the opportunity for Paris through her OWGR ranking (37th).

Historic Participation
Metraux joins fellow Seminoles Matilda Castren (Finland) and her sister Kim Metraux (Switzerland), who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Excitement and Experience
Metraux relishes the Olympic atmosphere, especially enjoying the Olympic Village and the camaraderie among athletes. She aims to enjoy every moment of this unique experience.

Professional Career Highlights
Currently playing on the LPGA and Ladies European Tours, Metraux secured her LPGA status by winning the 2021 Island Resort Championship and triumphed in the 2022 Ladies Italian Open and 2024 Jabra Ladies Open.

Broadcast Information
Catch the 2024 Women's Olympic Golf event on Golf Channel.

⚽️ Seminoles Start Season at No. 1 πŸ†

Top-Ranked Team
The reigning national champion Florida State soccer team claims the top spot in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll, securing all eight first-place votes. This marks the fourth time in six seasons FSU starts at No. 1.

ACC Dominance
FSU is one of three ACC teams in the top five and seven in the top 25. New ACC member Stanford ranks No. 2, followed by BYU, Penn State, and Clemson.

Upcoming Matches
The Seminoles, returning 10 players and boasting the top-ranked recruiting class, will play four ranked teams in Tallahassee. They host TCU in an exhibition match on Friday and open the season against South Florida in Tampa on August 15.

πŸ‡»πŸ‡ͺ JimΓ©nez Joins Venezuela U-20 Squad 🌎

FSU's Midfielder Shines on International Stage
Senior midfielder Marianyela JimΓ©nez has been named to the Venezuela U-20 Women's National Team for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia. At William Carey, JimΓ©nez scored 46 goals and 30 assists, earning NAIA All-American honors in 2022 and 2023.

International Impact
JimΓ©nez has 29 appearances and seven goals for the U-20 team, plus over 150 minutes with the senior team. Venezuela, in its second World Cup appearance, will face Germany in Group D on September 1.

πŸ€ Seminoles to Face Rice in Houston Showdown 🌟

Doubleheader Announcement
Florida State will play Rice in the Battleground 2K Hoops doubleheader at the Toyota Center in Houston on November 9, 2024. The event, hosted by United Sports and Entertainment, also features a matchup between Houston and Auburn.

Series History
FSU holds a 5-2 record against Rice, winning their last encounter 65-52 in 1997.

Community Impact
The event emphasizes charitable activities, with teams engaging in efforts to positively affect the Houston community.

🏈 Seminoles Prep for Jacksonville Camp 🌴

Special Teams Focus
Florida State wrapped up a brisk practice on Day 11 of camp, concentrating on special teams before heading to Jacksonville for training at UNF.

Offensive Highlights

  • DJ Uiagalelei & Malik Benson: Key connection on 4th and long.

  • Elijah Moore: Impressive catches, setting up a game-tying field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald.

  • Deuce Spann: Scored with a burst of speed, showing moments of explosiveness.

Defensive Standouts

  • KJ Sampson & Daniel Lyons: Interior linemen pressured QBs.

  • Darrell Jackson: Displayed remarkable athleticism, hitting 20.6 MPH in pads.

  • Marvin Jones Jr.: Effective in collapsing the pocket.

Notable Plays

  • Amaree Williams: Incredible sideline catch.

  • Juice Cryer: Split blocks to stop a play on the perimeter.

πŸ† Seminoles Shine in "Freaks List" 🌟

FSU's Athletic Marvels
Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List" features Florida State's Darrell Jackson Jr. (No. 5) and Joshua Farmer (No. 30). FSU is the only program with two defensive tackles on the list.

Darrell Jackson Jr.

  • Rank: No. 5

  • Attributes: 6-5, 328 lbs, 36-inch arms, 11-inch hands, runs 20.6 MPH in pads

  • Highlights: Squats 600+ lbs, benches 400+ lbs

Joshua Farmer

  • Rank: No. 30

  • Attributes: 6-3, 316 lbs, runs 19.6 MPH in pads

  • Highlights: 32 tackles, 7 TFLs, 5 sacks in 2023

Team Impact FSU's defensive line is expected to be dominant again in 2024, complementing star defensive end Patrick Payton.

πŸ“ˆ FSU Recruiting Update: August Watchlist πŸ”

Recent Commitment
Four-star WR Malik Clark chose FSU over South Carolina, adding to FSU's top-10 class.

Key Prospects and Decisions

  • Josh Petty (OL): Five-star recruit deciding between FSU, Ohio State, and Georgia Tech on Aug. 12.

  • Onis Konanbanny (DB): FSU vs. Tennessee, with a decision on Aug. 27.

  • Bryce Fitzgerald (DB): FSU vs. LSU, FSU currently favored.

  • Ladarian Clardy (DB): Postponed decision, likely FSU, with potential visits to other schools.

  • Ousmane Kromah and Byron Louis (RBs): FSU strong contenders, but competition from Georgia and Miami.

πŸ¦… Johnny Wilson Shines in Eagles Training Camp 🌟

Making Waves in the NFL
Former FSU wide receiver Johnny Wilson, drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round, is making a strong impression in training camp.

On Monday, Wilson's standout performance earned him the "offensive game ball" from PhillyVoice writer Shamus Clancy.

Wilson connected with QB Jalen Hurts on several plays, including a touchdown catch in tight coverage against DB Kelee Ringo.

Competing for WR3 Spot
Wilson is vying for the WR3 position against Parris Campbell, John Ross, and Britain Covey, frequently practicing in that role.

Upcoming Preseason Game
The Eagles' first preseason game is this Friday against the Baltimore Ravens. We'll keep an eye on Wilson as he competes for a starting role.

🏈 DeLoach Impresses in Buccaneers Training Camp 🌟

Early NFL Success
Former FSU linebacker Kalen DeLoach, signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is making a strong impression in training camp. Last week, DeLoach forced a fumble and recorded multiple sacks with the first-team defense.

Depth Chart Update
The Bucs' first unofficial depth chart lists DeLoach on the second team, ahead of third-year linebacker J.J. Russell.

College Stats
In 2023, DeLoach started all 13 games for FSU, recording 68 tackles, 10.5 TFL, seven sacks, and more.

Future Prospects
DeLoach is battling for a roster spot but also has the option to play in the United Football League if necessary.

And that’s a wrap!

From Seminole athletes making international waves to standout training camp performances and upcoming matchups, today's edition is packed with exciting updates.

Stay tuned as our top recruits make their decisions, and watch for key FSU players shining in their professional debuts.

Go Noles!

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