šŸ¹ December 23rd - The Chief Brief šŸ¹

Legacy, Loyalty, and Leadership

Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

With the recent momentum, how do you feel about FSU’s ability to flip the roster this offseason?

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šŸ¹ Welcome to The Chief Brief! šŸ¹

This edition brings exciting updates from the transfer portal and high school recruiting, with Florida State securing pivotal commitments and hosting high-impact prospects. Let’s dive into the latest developments shaping the Seminoles’ roster for the future:

šŸŽÆ FSU Legacy Duce Robinson Transfers to Tallahassee šŸŽÆ
A monumental transfer shakes the landscape as former five-star wide receiver Duce Robinson brings his size, versatility, and family legacy to FSU’s offense. Coach Norvell calls him a ā€œmatchup nightmare.ā€

šŸ’Ø FSU Tops the List for Four-Star RB Amari Clemons šŸ’Ø
The Seminoles strengthen their ties with top 2026 talent, as running back Amari Clemons declares FSU as the leader in his recruitment.

šŸ“ˆ FSU Impresses OT Transfer Rahtrel Perry šŸ“ˆ
Offensive line reinforcements continue as Central Connecticut standout Rahtrel Perry praises FSU’s culture and developmental opportunities.

šŸ› ļø Rice OL Transfer Ethan Onianwa Praises FSU Visit šŸ› ļø
A top-100 transfer portal player, Ethan Onianwa highlights his Tallahassee visit as he considers a move to bolster the Seminoles’ line.

šŸ ļø Tallahassee Native Traylon Ray Visits FSU Ahead of Deadline šŸ ļø
Former West Virginia receiver Traylon Ray makes a late trip home, exploring how he could fit into FSU’s receiving corps.

šŸŽÆ FSU Legacy Duce Robinson Transfers to Tallahassee šŸŽÆ

Florida State has made a massive splash in the transfer portal, landing former five-star wide receiver Duce Robinson from USC. The FSU legacy and son of former Seminole Dominic Robinson brings elite size, versatility, and a knack for creating matchup nightmares.

Robinson’s Path to FSU:

  • High School Star: Rated the nation’s No. 19 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class.

  • USC Standout: Tallied 747 receiving yards and seven touchdowns over two seasons, excelling in both slot and wideout roles.

  • Legacy Connection: Returns to the program his father starred for in the early 2000s.

What Robinson Brings:

  • Elite Size & Versatility: At 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, with a 6’10ā€ wingspan, Robinson’s ability to line up as a receiver or flex tight end makes him a dynamic offensive weapon.

  • Playmaking Ability: Combines vertical speed with a massive catch radius to excel in one-on-one matchups and erase errant throws.

  • Willing Blocker: Brings physicality and effort in blocking, enhancing his value in Florida State’s run-heavy schemes.

Challenges:
While Robinson boasts impressive skills, his speed takes time to build, and his contested catch rate has room for improvement. Additional strength could elevate his game further.

A Perfect Fit:
With head coach Mike Norvell’s history of maximizing big-bodied receivers like Johnny Wilson, Robinson’s potential to thrive in FSU’s offense is undeniable. His versatility complements the Seminoles’ vertical passing game and run-first approach.

Final Word:
ā€œDuce was born to be a Nole,ā€ said Coach Norvell. ā€œHis versatility, size, and effort make him an instant difference-maker on and off the field.ā€ Robinson is poised to make an immediate impact and solidify his legacy in the Garnet and Gold.

Read more here and here.

 šŸ’Ø FSU Tops the List for Four-Star RB Amari Clemons šŸ’Ø 

Florida State welcomed an elite group of 2026 high school recruits to campus on Saturday, including four-star Marianna running back Amari Clemons. With multiple visits under his belt, Clemons declared FSU as the clear frontrunner in his recruitment.

Why FSU Leads:

  • Coach Connection: Clemons highlighted his strong bond with running backs coach David ā€œCoach YACā€ Johnson, praising his consistency and player development.

  • Proven Offense: New offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn’s championship-winning, run-heavy schemes resonate with Clemons, who called Malzahn ā€œa legend.ā€

  • Close to Home: At just 45 minutes away, FSU’s proximity and culture make it an appealing choice for the Marianna standout.

Clemons’ Visit Highlights:

  • Engaging with Coaches: Clemons appreciated the chance to spend extended time with Coach Johnson and learn more about the Seminoles’ offensive philosophy.

  • Campus Impressions: The four-star recruit was impressed by FSU’s ongoing renovations and the program’s promising trajectory.

  • Nationally Ranked Talent: Rated as a top-20 running back and top-200 player nationally by On3, Clemons is already generating buzz as one of the most sought-after recruits in his class.

What’s Next:
Clemons, who also lists Auburn and Florida as favorites, will continue exploring his options, but he made it clear that FSU remains at the top of his list:
ā€œThe coaches don’t just tell me what I want to hear. The culture, the program—it’s everything.ā€

šŸ“ˆ FSU Impresses OT Transfer Rahtrel Perry šŸ“ˆ 

Florida State rolled out the red carpet for Central Connecticut State offensive tackle Rahtrel Perry, who spent Sunday meeting with the Seminoles’ coaching staff. Perry, one of the top offensive linemen in the transfer portal, left Tallahassee impressed by FSU’s culture and developmental focus.

Visit Highlights:

  • Offensive Fit: Perry focused on understanding his role in FSU’s offensive scheme and how the staff would help him grow as a left tackle.

  • Connection with Herb Hand: Perry valued the time spent with offensive line coach Herb Hand, praising his insights on technique and football situational awareness.

Player Profile:

  • Proven Talent: Perry started all 13 games at left tackle in 2024, playing 958 snaps and allowing no sacks against FBS competition (UMass and Central Michigan).

  • Emerging Prospect: Ranked as the No. 95 overall transfer and No. 10 offensive tackle by 247Sports, Perry has become a sought-after FCS standout.

  • Early Career: After limited usage in his first two seasons, Perry broke out in 2024, becoming one of the most intriguing offensive tackles in the transfer portal.

Recruitment Status:
While Perry has drawn interest from programs like Maryland, Ohio State, LSU, and Vanderbilt, he noted that FSU may be his last visit:

"It was the culture. The culture is very strong around here. They really take pride in what they stand for."

With no decision timeline set, Perry is weighing his options, prioritizing fit, culture, and development in his next destination.

šŸ› ļø Rice OL Transfer Ethan Onianwa Praises FSU Visit šŸ› ļø

Florida State hosted one of the top offensive linemen in the transfer portal this weekend, and Ethan Onianwa, the former Rice standout, left with glowing reviews of his time in Tallahassee.

Visit Highlights:

  • Staff Connection: Onianwa emphasized the importance of meeting FSU’s coaching staff in person, stating: "Zoom calls and phone calls are nice, but in-person is a lot different."

  • Development Focus: Offensive line coach Herb Hand impressed Onianwa with a detailed breakdown of how the staff could help him grow: "He’s an incredibly detailed guy… breaking down film and comparing me to players he’s coached in the past."

  • Norvell’s Passion: Onianwa appreciated the drive and commitment of head coach Mike Norvell: "He’s a very passionate guy... dedicated to winning and succeeding."

Player Profile:

  • Versatile Experience: The 6-foot-6, 345-pound lineman started at right tackle for Rice in 2022 and 2023 before shifting to left tackle in 2024, where he started nine games.

  • Elite Protector: Onianwa allowed just one sack and five quarterback hurries last season, earning his place as a top-100 player in the transfer portal, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

Recruitment Outlook:
With interest from Ohio State, Iowa, and Texas A&M, Onianwa is considering some of the nation’s top programs. However, his experience at FSU made a significant impression: "You can tell it has really good family ties, strong connection."

What’s Next:
Onianwa plans to decide on his next school before Christmas, weighing opportunities for development, a winning culture, and camaraderie with like-minded players.

šŸ ļø Tallahassee Native Traylon Ray Visits FSU Ahead of Transfer Portal Deadline šŸ ļø 

Florida State made a last-minute move in the transfer portal, hosting West Virginia wide receiver transfer Traylon Ray on Sunday—the final day for visits before the December dead period.

Player Profile:

  • Tallahassee Roots: Ray played high school football at North Florida Christian in Tallahassee before spending the past two seasons with the Mountaineers.

  • Collegiate Production:

    • 2024 Season: Caught 28 passes for 426 yards and 4 touchdowns before a leg injury cut his season short.

    • 2023 Season: Recorded 18 receptions for 321 yards and 3 touchdowns during his true freshman campaign.

  • High School Recruitment: The 6-foot-1, 195-pound receiver was a three-star prospect and ranked as the nation’s No. 101 wide receiver by 247Sports.

FSU Connections:

  • Family Ties: Ray’s uncle, Melvin Ray, played under new FSU offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn at Auburn from 2012 to 2015. Notably, Melvin caught a 50-yard touchdown pass in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game against the Seminoles.

What’s Next:
With Sunday marking the final opportunity for December visits, Ray’s trip to FSU could set the stage for a key addition to the Seminoles’ receiving corps. Ray’s familiarity with the area and connections to the coaching staff make him a compelling prospect as FSU looks to bolster its offense heading into 2025.

And that’s a wrap!

As Florida State continues to make moves in recruiting and the transfer portal, the future of the program shines brighter than ever. Whether it’s Duce Robinson’s explosive potential or local talent Traylon Ray returning home, the Seminoles are building something special.

Stay tuned for updates, and as always, Go ā€˜Noles! šŸ¢ šŸ¹ 

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