Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Thursday!

National Signing Day has come to a close and we’ve got your updates here.

Only 2 more days until Christmas Weekend 😃 

🏀🎉 Seminoles' Holiday Hoops Spectacle: Dominance on the Court 🎉🏀

• Experience the thrill as FSU Women's Basketball team crushes Alabama State in a historic scoring frenzy.

🏈🔄 Malcolm Ray Plans Transfer from FSU 🔄🏈

• Dive into the implications of defensive lineman Malcolm Ray's decision to explore new horizons beyond FSU.

🏈📈 Florida State's 2024 Recruiting Class: A Mixed Bag of Triumphs and Challenges 📈🏈

• Uncover the complexities and triumphs of FSU's 2024 recruiting class, balancing high hopes with sobering realities.

🗣️🤔 Fan Reactions to FSU's 2024 Recruiting Class: A Mix of Optimism and Concern 🤔🗣️

• Engage with FSU fans' varied reactions, from optimism about new talent to concerns over missed opportunities in recruiting.

🏀🎉 Seminoles' Holiday Hoops Spectacle: Dominance on the Court 🎉🏀

The Tucker Center was abuzz with festive energy as the No. 21 Florida State Women's Basketball team delivered an unforgettable performance, steamrolling past Alabama State with a staggering 110-45 victory.

This game wasn't just a win; it was a near-historic feat, as the Seminoles came tantalizingly close to shattering a 32-year-old record of 114 points.

Ta'Niya Latson, FSU's scoring dynamo, dazzled once again with a scintillating 23-point game, marking her 24th career 20-pointer.

Her near-flawless execution at the free throw line (10-of-11) was a masterclass in precision. But it wasn't a solo show – the team effort shone through with six players hitting double figures, a season-first for the Noles.

The defensive display was just as impressive. Makayla Timpson led the rebounding efforts, aiding in holding Alabama State to a meager 25 percent shooting.

The Seminoles' defense was a fortress, forcing 18 turnovers and converting them into crucial points.

From the get-go, FSU was in command. They kicked off with a formidable 17-0 run, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

By halftime, it was clear the Seminoles were in a league of their own, leading a staggering 60-18.

The team's accuracy from the foul line was outstanding, hitting 93 percent in the first half. And the momentum didn't wane – FSU continued their scoring spree in the second half, maintaining their dominance throughout.

Now, as the team takes a brief holiday break, they can bask in the glow of this remarkable victory.

But the journey doesn't end here. The Seminoles are set to reignite their fiery form on December 29 against Georgia Tech, as they embark on their ACC campaign.

🏈🔄 Malcolm Ray Plans Transfer from FSU 🔄🏈

Defensive lineman Malcolm Ray is set to leave Florida State, as he announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.

A rotational player for the Seminoles, Ray's 2023 season saw him making a notable impact with 18 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, along with quarterback hurries and a pass breakup.

His previous season in 2022 was even more impactful, with 15 tackles and 2.5 for loss, including 2 sacks, in 13 games.

His departure, following a consistent performance since his 2019 signing, marks a significant shift for FSU's defensive lineup.

With one year of eligibility remaining, Ray's next destination is yet to be revealed, but his impact at FSU will be remembered. 🏈🔄

🏈📈 Florida State's 2024 Recruiting Class: A Mixed Bag of Triumphs and Challenges 📈🏈

Recruiting Rollercoaster: FSU's Highs and Lows 

Florida State's recent recruiting cycles have been a blend of excitement and disappointment.

While the Seminoles have secured some remarkable talents, they've also faced notable setbacks. The most significant losses include top recruits like Travis Hunter in 2021, who flipped to Deion Sanders at Jackson State, and Keldric Faulk, who chose Auburn over FSU last year.

The latest blow came with safety KJ Bolden flipping to Georgia. Additionally, FSU lost out on five-star Armondo Blount, who reverted to Miami after previously flipping from there to FSU.

Despite these challenges, the Seminoles' class remains impressive. Ranked around the Top 10 nationally, it showcases a significant improvement in raw talent acquisition, crucial for sustaining success. However, consistently losing high-profile recruits at critical junctures raises concerns about the program's ability to seal the deal with elite prospects.

Class Highlights and Potential 

The 2024 class, though facing setbacks, is a testament to FSU's growing appeal. Among the signees, four-star quarterback Luke Kromenhoek and running back Kam Davis stand out.

The class boasts 10 signees ranked in the top 200 of the On3 Industry Rankings, a feat not achieved since 2016. This influx of top-tier talent is a positive sign for FSU's future prospects.

Coach Norvell's Perspective 

Coach Mike Norvell expressed confidence in the 2024 class, emphasizing the right fit and character of the recruits. He acknowledged the pain of losing committed players but focused on the excitement surrounding the 21 signees. Norvell's vision for FSU is clear, and he remains optimistic about the program's direction.

Detailed Breakdown of Signees FSU's 2024 class is diverse and rich in talent. Key signees include:

• Cai Bates (DB): A consensus four-star, top-20 cornerback from Orlando.

• Jonathan Daniels (OL): A top interior lineman from Pensacola.

• Micahi Danzy (RB): A top athlete from Tallahassee with impressive track achievements.

• Kam Davis (RB): A high four-star running back from Georgia.

• Jamorie Flagg (DL): A three-star tackle from Miami.

• Camdon Frier (WR): A four-star receiver, continuing a family legacy at FSU.

• BJ Gibson (WR): A versatile four-star athlete from Georgia.

• Timir Hickman-Collins (LB): A three-star linebacker from South Carolina.

• DD Holmes (DL): A four-star edge recruit from Washington, D.C.

• Jamari Howard (DB): A four-star cornerback from Miami.

• Tye Hylton (OL): A three-star lineman from Florida.

• Manasse Itete (OL): A four-star tackle from California.

• Ricky Knight III (DB): A four-star corner from Florida.

• Luke Kromenhoek (QB): A four-star quarterback from Georgia.

• Charles Lester III (DB): A top-rated cornerback.

• Lawayne McCoy (WR): A four-star receiver from Miami.

• Elijah Moore (WR): A four-star receiver from Maryland.

• Jayden Parrish (LB): A three-star linebacker from Florida.

• Landen Thomas (TE): A top tight end from Georgia.

• Jayden Todd (OL): A three-star tackle from Georgia.

• Jake Weinberg (K): A highly-rated kicker from Florida.

• D’Nas White (DL): A three-star tackle from North Carolina.

Norvell's strategy is clear: balance immediate needs with long-term growth, ensuring a robust and competitive roster. The focus on strong relationships, a hallmark of his recruiting philosophy, seems to be paying off, evident in the quality of the 2024 class. Despite some high-profile losses, the overall trajectory of FSU's recruiting under Norvell appears promising.

🗣️🤔 Fan Reactions to FSU's 2024 Recruiting Class: A Mix of Optimism and Concern 🤔🗣️

The Positive Outlook

• A Major Leap in Talent Acquisition: Fans are celebrating FSU's significant improvement in recruiting, with the #9 ranked high school class marking a substantial upgrade from the previous five years. This includes 15 blue-chip recruits and the highest-rated quarterback since Jameis Winston, signaling a potential major shift for the team's future.

• Development Potential: There's confidence in the coaching staff's ability to develop talent. With a roster that includes promising names like Kromenhoek, Lester, Thomas, Bates, and White, fans are optimistic about the future. The belief is strong in the staff's development skills, drawing parallels with schools like Michigan known for their player development.

Areas of Concern

• Struggle to Close Deals with Top Recruits: A recurring theme of disappointment is FSU's inability to secure commitments from high-profile recruits. Losing the top defensive recruit for the third consecutive year, including the loss of two top-rated recruits to a rival, has raised questions about the staff's recruiting strategy and execution.

• Defensive Line Recruiting Under Scrutiny: The defensive line (DL) recruiting strategy is facing significant criticism. Fans are questioning the effectiveness of current coaching, citing a long list of misses and departures in DL recruitment. The concern is whether FSU can rely on the portal indefinitely for top DL talent.

• Concerns Over NIL and Recruitment Tactics: Fans are questioning the underlying reasons for FSU's challenges in securing commitments from top recruits. Concerns range from possible impacts of NIL deals to the recruitment approach of the staff, including their aggressiveness and tactics during the recruitment process.

Overall Sentiment

Cautious Optimism Mixed with Realism:

• While acknowledging the good work done, fans express disappointment over missed opportunities.

• The class is seen as a step in the right direction, but concerns linger about FSU's ability to compete for elite classes. The key question is whether FSU can translate its improved recruiting into tangible on-field success and address the apparent vulnerabilities in its recruitment strategy, especially concerning top-tier talent and defensive line prospects.

• One thing is for sure - FSU boasts an outstanding portal track record and ability to develop talent so that will be key for this offseason.

Wrapping Up the Chief Brief

That's all for this edition!

Whether it's on the court, in recruiting battles, or navigating player transfers, FSU continues its dynamic journey in sports.

Keep rooting for the Seminoles, and stay tuned for more updates in our next edition. Go Noles! 🍢🏀🏈