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From strategic coaching hires to Transfer Portal pursuits, Florida State continues to position itself for a transformative 2025 season. Here’s what’s making waves in Seminole Nation today:

🏈 Tim Harris Jr. Joins FSU’s Coaching Staff
A seasoned developer of talent, Harris brings Miami ties and offensive expertise as the new Pass Game Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach.

🛡️ Coaching Contracts Finalized
Meet Herb Hand, Terrance Knighton, and Evan Cooper—the new faces shaping FSU's trenches and secondary, with lucrative contracts locked in.

🏆 Kicking Excellence, Recognition Falls Short
Despite perfect seasons, Ryan Fitzgerald and Alex Mastromanno narrowly missed out on the Lou Groza and Ray Guy Awards.

🛡️ Portal Updates: Key Moves and Potential Additions

• Defensive lineman Grady Kelly departs after one season.

• Tight end Markeston Douglas may return to boost the blocking game.

• Linebacker Omar Graham recommits to the garnet and gold.

🛠️ Rebuilding the Trenches
FSU is pursuing top Transfer Portal talent, including decorated offensive linemen Alex Wollschlaeger and Gunnar Hansen, as well as standout defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard.

🏈 FSU Hires Tim Harris Jr. as Pass Game Coordinator and WR Coach 🏈

Florida State continues to build its coaching dream team, announcing the addition of Tim Harris Jr. as the new Pass Game Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach. A Miami native with a reputation for developing elite talent, Harris brings an extensive resume spanning college and high school success.

🌟 A Proven Playmaker Developer
Harris’s career includes standout roles at UCF, Miami, and FIU, where he cultivated dynamic offenses and helped players reach their potential:

• Coordinated UCF’s No. 7 rushing offense and No. 16 total offense in 2024.

• Coached RB RJ Harvey, who ranked top-5 nationally in all-purpose yards and touchdowns.

• Led FIU to a program-record nine-win season and multiple bowl appearances.

🎙️ Leadership and Legacy
“Tim has an incredible track record in developing elite playmakers,” said FSU head coach Mike Norvell. Harris’s Miami roots and ties to South Florida’s football culture promise to strengthen FSU’s recruiting efforts in the talent-rich region.

🏆 Accolades and Expertise
From high school championships to collegiate success, Harris’s highlights include:

• Florida Dairy Farmers Football Coach of the Year after leading Booker T. Washington to a state title and No. 2 national ranking in 2014.

• Developing FIU’s record-breaking offense in 2018, featuring 27 rushing touchdowns.

• Induction into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2022 for his All-American track and field career.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU Finalizes Coaching Staff Contracts for New Trio 🏈

Florida State has taken another step in rebuilding its football program by solidifying key coaching positions for the 2025 season. The Seminoles have officially announced the hires of Herb Hand as Offensive Line Coach, Terrance Knighton as Defensive Line Coach, and Evan Cooper as Safeties Coach. Here’s a closer look at their roles and compensation details:

🌟 Herb Hand: Offensive Line Coach
With extensive experience shaping elite offensive lines, Hand will lead FSU’s front five into a new era of physicality and precision.

• Contract Terms:

  • Duration: Two years (through February 28, 2027).

  • Salary: $600,000 in Year 1, $650,000 in Year 2.

  • Perks: $20,000 relocation bonus, $1,250 Nike Elite allotment, $650 monthly car allowance, and complimentary game tickets.

🌟 Terrance Knighton: Defensive Line Coach
Known as “Pot Roast” during his NFL days, Knighton brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to FSU’s defensive line.

• Contract Terms:

  • Duration: Two years (through February 28, 2027).

  • Salary: $550,000 in Year 1, $650,000 in Year 2.

  • Perks: $20,000 relocation bonus, up to $25,000 buyout from a previous employer, Nike Elite allotment, and game tickets.

🌟 Evan Cooper: Safeties Coach
Tasked with elevating FSU’s secondary, Cooper’s track record of player development and defensive strategy makes him a valuable addition.

• Contract Terms:

  • Duration: Two years (through February 28, 2027).

  • Salary: $300,000 in Year 1, $400,000 in Year 2.

  • Perks: $20,000 relocation bonus, Nike Elite allotment, and complimentary tickets.

Read more here.

🏆 Ryan Fitzgerald Finishes Perfect Season, Falls Short of Groza Award 🏆

Florida State redshirt senior kicker Ryan Fitzgerald delivered a flawless 2024 campaign but was edged out for the Lou Groza Award, which recognizes the nation’s top kicker. The award was presented to Louisiana's Kenneth Almendares during the ESPN College Football Awards show Thursday evening.

🌟 Fitzgerald’s Remarkable 2024 Season

• Perfect Accuracy:

  • Field Goals: 13-of-13, leading the nation in makes without a miss.

  • Long-Range Excellence: 5-of-5 from 50+ yards, including a career-long 59-yarder.

  • PATs: 14-of-14, extending his streak to 112 consecutive successful extra points.

• Elite Company: Joined 2013 Groza winner Roberto Aguayo as the only Seminoles to start a season 13-of-13 on field goals.

🏅 A Legacy Among Legends
While Fitzgerald didn’t win the award, his performance cements his place alongside FSU kicking greats like:

• Roberto Aguayo (2013 winner)

• Graham Gano (2008 winner)

• Sebastian Janikowski (1998, 1999 winner)

🎙️ What’s Next?
Fitzgerald’s consistency and long-range prowess will leave a lasting legacy at Florida State, continuing the program’s rich tradition of exceptional kickers.

Read more here.

🏆 Alex Mastromanno Named Ray Guy Finalist, Falls Short of Award 🏆

Florida State redshirt senior punter Alex Mastromanno capped an exceptional 2024 season as a finalist for the Ray Guy Award, given annually to the nation’s top punter. The award ultimately went to USC’s Eddie Czaplicki during the ESPN College Football Awards show Thursday evening.

🌟 Mastromanno’s 2024 Season Highlights

• Elite Performance:

  • Punts: 55 punts averaging a nation-leading 49.3 yards per punt.

  • Distance Mastery: 30 punts of 50+ yards, with a season-long of 65 yards.

  • Precision: 17 punts pinned inside the 20-yard line.

• Consistency: Finalist for the second consecutive year (2023, 2024).

📈 Career Legacy
The Melbourne, Australia native has been a standout for the Seminoles, earning recognition as one of the nation’s premier punters. His 2024 campaign sets him up as a likely unanimous All-American, further solidifying his place in FSU’s history.

🎯 Unfinished Business
Despite the honor of being a finalist, FSU remains in pursuit of its first-ever Ray Guy Award winner. Mastromanno’s achievements bring the Seminoles closer to that milestone.

Read more here.

🛡️ Grady Kelly Enters Transfer Portal After One Season at FSU 🛡️

Florida State defensive lineman Grady Kelly has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal following a single season with the Seminoles.

🌟 Kelly’s Journey

• Previous Experience:

  • Transferred to FSU for the 2024 season after three years at Colorado State, where he played in 26 games with 22 starts.

• 2024 Season at FSU:

  • Played in all 12 games but did not make any starts.

  • Recorded 19 total tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, and one sack.

  • Highlight Performance: A season-high five tackles against North Carolina.

🎓 Recruiting Background

• Transfer Ranking: No. 582 in the 247Sports Transfer rankings last cycle.

• High School: Three-star prospect out of Navarre High School in Florida, 2021 class.

Read more here.

🏈 Markeston Douglas in Talks for Potential Return to FSU 🏈

Florida State is in discussions with Arizona State tight end transfer Markeston Douglas, exploring the possibility of bringing the former Seminole back into the fold.

🌟 Douglas’ Journey

• FSU Roots:

  • Originally signed with FSU as part of Mike Norvell’s first recruiting class in 2020.

  • Spent four seasons with the Seminoles, recording 25 receptions for 326 yards and 4 touchdowns across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

• Transfer to ASU:

  • Moved to Arizona State after the 2023 season in search of a larger role.

  • Played primarily as a blocker at ASU, with 83.5% of snaps in that capacity and just 1 reception for 3 yards during the 2024 season.

🎯 Potential FSU Fit

• Blocking Specialist:

  • At 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, Douglas offers the physicality FSU seeks in a blocking tight end to complement young pass-catching talents like Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams.

• Mutual Interest:

  • Douglas has been in heavy communication with head coach Mike Norvell, offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, and tight ends coach Chris Thomsen.

  • He describes a "high likely chance" of rejoining FSU, and sources indicate the Seminoles are open to the idea.

🔮 What’s Next?
Douglas’ return could bolster FSU’s tight end depth, adding an experienced player with familiarity in the system and the ability to contribute as a blocking specialist.

Read more here.

🛡️ Omar Graham Withdraws from Transfer Portal, Returns to FSU 🛡️

Florida State linebacker Omar Graham has decided to stay with the Seminoles, withdrawing from the NCAA Transfer Portal after briefly exploring other opportunities. Graham’s return solidifies FSU’s linebacker depth as they transition to a new defensive staff.

🌟 Key Contributions in 2024

• Season Stats:

  • Appeared in 10 games with 8 starts.

  • Recorded 37 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 pass breakups, and 1 QB hurry.

• Progress Despite Challenges:

  • Overcame injuries early in the season.

  • Posted five games with 70+ PFF grades in the final eight contests, showing significant improvement.

🎯 Why Graham Stayed

• Strong Communication:

  • FSU’s defensive coaches consistently reached out to keep Graham in the program.

• Adapting to Change:

  • Adjusting to a new defensive scheme under Coordinator Tony White and a new position coach after the departure of Randy Shannon, whom Graham held in high regard.

Read more here.

🛡️ FSU Offers Bowling Green OL Transfer Alex Wollschlaeger 🛡️

In a push to revamp their offensive line, Florida State has extended an offer to Bowling Green transfer offensive lineman Alex Wollschlaeger, a decorated tackle with standout credentials.

🌟 Player Profile

• Size & Experience:

  • 6-foot-7, 305-pounder with 14 starts in 2024.

  • Finished the season with a 76.6 Pro Football Focus grade.

• Career Accolades:

  • 2024: First-Team All-MAC, Outland Trophy Watch List, Lombardi Award Watch List.

  • Previous honors include Academic All-MAC (2022, 2023) and multiple All-MAC recognitions.

🎯 Transfer Market Standout

• 247Sports Rankings:

  • Four-star transfer prospect.

  • Ranked No. 31 overall player and No. 2 offensive tackle in the Transfer Portal.

• Recruitment Activity:

  • Offers from a dozen programs, including Kentucky, Kansas State, Nebraska, Georgia Tech, and Stanford.

  • Scheduled to visit Kentucky this weekend.

🔧 FSU’s Offensive Line Rebuild

• Immediate Need:

  • The Seminoles struggled significantly on the offensive line in 2024, making this recruitment a priority.

• Coach Connection:

  • Offer extended by new OL coach Herb Hand, hired earlier this week to spearhead the line’s transformation.

🔮 What’s Next?
With one year of eligibility remaining, Wollschlaeger brings experience and talent to any program he joins. FSU’s efforts to secure his commitment reflect their commitment to reshaping the offensive front for 2025.

Read more here.

🛡️ FSU Pursues NIU DT Transfer Skyler Gill-Howard 🛡️

Florida State is among several programs vying for Northern Illinois standout defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard, who entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on Wednesday after a dominant 2024 season.

🌟 2024 Season Highlights

• Stats: 51 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 5 sacks.

• PFF Grade: 83.4, ranking 11th nationally among all defensive tackles.

🎯 Transfer Market Buzz
Gill-Howard has already garnered interest from major programs, including:

• FSU, LSU, Michigan State, Texas Tech, Colorado, Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, and Rutgers.

🚨 First Visit Set

• Gill-Howard will visit Texas Tech this weekend as his first stop in the transfer process.

Read more here.

🛠️ FSU Targets Vanderbilt OT Transfer Gunnar Hansen 🛠️

Florida State continues to address offensive line needs in the Transfer Portal, securing a visit with Vanderbilt offensive tackle Gunnar Hansen, one of the most experienced linemen available this cycle.

🌟 Player Profile

• Position: Offensive Tackle

• Size: 6-foot-5, 330 pounds

• Experience: 2,122 career snaps at Vanderbilt, with starts at both left and right tackle during the 2024 season.

📈 2024 Performance

• PFF Grades:

  • Overall: 56.1

  • Pass Blocking: 60.1

  • Run Blocking: 58.1

🎯 Recruitment Update

• FSU Visit: Scheduled for next Monday.

• Other Interested Programs: Michigan, Colorado, and Kentucky are among the schools vying for Hansen’s commitment.

📊 Rankings

• 247Sports: No. 123 overall player, No. 6 offensive tackle in the Transfer Portal.

🏡 Sunshine State Roots
A graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Hansen returns to his home state as a sought-after transfer prospect after initially being a low three-star recruit with limited offers out of high school.

Read more here.

And that’s a wrap!

From coaching revamps to portal pursuits, Florida State is making bold moves to reclaim its spot among college football’s elite. Whether it’s new recruits, returning talent, or strategic hires, the Seminoles are setting the stage for a thrilling 2025 season. Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds.

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Until next time, keep the Seminole spirit strong! 🌴