Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Hope you’ve recovered from the holiday festivities because we’re diving straight into the latest FSU news! From legacy recruits and transfer portal gems to in-state visits and recruiting momentum, the Seminoles are making major moves to close 2024 strong and gear up for an epic 2025.

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

🛡️ Center Stage: Wake Forest transfer Luke Petitbon is set to solidify FSU’s offensive line, filling a critical need in the trenches.

🌟 Legacy Secured: Antonio Cromartie Jr. fulfills a lifelong dream as he receives an offer to follow in his father’s storied footsteps at FSU.

🛡️ DL Depth: Tennessee’s Jayson Jenkins, a towering defensive lineman, is set to visit the Seminoles as they rebuild their defensive front.

💨 Top RB Target: Local standout Amari Clemons keeps FSU at the top of his recruitment, praising the program’s direction and new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.

🛡️ Transfer Target: Georgia Southern LB Marques Watson-Trent, the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, could be the experienced addition FSU needs to bolster its defense.

🛡️ FSU Solidifies OL with Center Transfer Luke Petitbon 🛡️

Florida State has addressed a key offensive line need with the addition of transfer center Luke Petitbon from Wake Forest. Petitbon, a 6-foot-2, 295-pound lineman, is set to enroll in January and brings immediate experience to the Seminoles’ interior line.

🔑 Why Petitbon is a Perfect Fit

Center Priority:
Petitbon fills the most pressing gap on FSU’s offensive line, complementing recent tackle additions Gunnar Hansen (Vanderbilt) and Micah Pettus (Ole Miss) and guard Adrian Medley (UCF).

Proven Performance:
Petitbon was a mainstay at center for Wake Forest, starting 11 games in both 2023 and 2024. Last season, he logged 813 snaps and earned All-ACC honorable mention, showcasing his consistency and reliability.

Experience and Leadership:
With 31 collegiate appearances and nearly 2,000 snaps under his belt, Petitbon brings veteran leadership to an evolving FSU offensive line.

📋 Quick Stats

• 2024 Season: 11 starts, 813 snaps, All-ACC honorable mention

• 2023 Season: 11 starts, 809 snaps

• Career Total: 31 games, 2,000+ snaps

🌟 What’s Next?

Petitbon’s decision to join FSU without a prior visit underscores the program’s growing appeal. He is expected to officially visit in January and immediately integrate into the team’s offseason preparations.

With Petitbon on board, Florida State continues to fortify its offensive line for the upcoming season, aiming to transform one of its most challenging units into a position of strength.

👉 Read more here

🌟 FSU Legacy Antonio Cromartie Jr. Receives Dream Offer 🌟

Antonio Cromartie Jr., a 2025 defensive back and Florida State legacy, received a Christmas gift he'll never forget: a full scholarship offer from the Seminoles. Announced on his social media account, the offer fulfilled a lifelong dream for the Carrollton High School standout.

🔑 The Journey to FSU

A Long-Awaited Moment:
Cromartie had been holding out on committing to other schools, waiting for FSU to make its move.

• “I was hoping that was coming. I waited for it all year,” Cromartie said. “For it to happen on Christmas, it was a blessing.”

Personal Connection:
FSU head coach Mike Norvell personally extended the offer on Christmas Day, delivering the news Cromartie and his family had been hoping for.

• “Coach Norvell called me and said Merry Christmas...then he said he can't let me go anywhere else and offered me,” Cromartie shared.

📋 Cromartie’s Senior Season Highlights

• Stats:

  • 85 tackles

  • 1 interception

  • 4 pass breakups

  • 4 forced fumbles

  • 2 quarterback pressures

• Attributes:

  • Known for his versatility, cornerbacks coach Pat Surtain sees him playing across FSU’s secondary thanks to his football IQ and instincts.

🌟 FSU Legacy

Cromartie’s connection to the Seminoles runs deep. His father, Antonio Cromartie Sr., was a standout cornerback for FSU (2003-2005) before embarking on a decorated NFL career, including a Pro Bowl selection and an NFL interceptions title.

• “Just pure excitement. That’s always been my dream school since I was five years old,” Cromartie Jr. said.

🔮 What’s Next?

Cromartie plans to make an official visit to FSU in January, with his sights set on signing during February’s National Signing Day.

With Cromartie Jr.’s addition, the Seminoles are poised to maintain their rich tradition of elite defensive backs while deepening their ties to the program’s storied past.

👉 Read more here

🛡️ FSU to Host Tennessee DL Jayson Jenkins for Visit 🛡️

Florida State’s defensive line rebuild continues as the Seminoles prepare to host Tennessee redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Jayson Jenkins on January 2nd. The 6-foot-6, 281-pound defender has emerged as a valuable transfer portal target to further strengthen FSU’s trenches.

🔑 Jenkins’ Career Highlights

• 2024 Season:

  • 13 games played

  • 9 tackles

  • 3.5 tackles for loss

  • 2 sacks

  • 1 forced fumble

  • 1 safety

• 2023 Season:

  • Played in 6 games

  • 4 tackles, including 1 tackle for loss

• 2022 Season:

  • Earned a redshirt while appearing in limited action

• Overall Experience:

  • 20+ career games over three seasons at Tennessee

🌟 Why Jenkins is a Fit for FSU

FSU has already added Deante McCray (Western Kentucky) and James Williams (Nebraska) via the transfer portal, but Jenkins’ size, versatility, and Power 5 experience would add further depth and impact to the defensive line rotation.

👉 Read more here

💨 Top RB Target Amari Clemons Keeps FSU at No. 1 💨

Florida State continues to make strides in the recruitment of Amari Clemons, a highly-touted 2026 running back prospect from Marianna, Florida. Clemons, ranked as the No. 23 RB and No. 290 overall player in his class, returned to Tallahassee for his third visit since the summer and left with his belief in FSU stronger than ever.

🔑 Clemons’ FSU Visit Highlights

• Impressive Renovations: Clemons praised the program’s updates, saying:
  “I know how this program’s going to be. It’s going to be a big turnaround from last season.”

• Meeting Gus Malzahn: Clemons had his first conversation with FSU’s new offensive coordinator:
  “That’s a legend. He told me he likes to run the ball and won a national championship, so I’m here for it.”

• Confidence in the Staff: Clemons commended FSU’s honest approach, stating:
  “The coaches don’t just tell you what you want to hear. I don’t want to hear what everyone wants to tell me all the time.”

🌟 Why FSU Stands Out

• Top Contender: Clemons confirmed FSU remains No. 1 in his recruitment.

• Strong Relationships: He’s developed a solid connection with head coach Mike Norvell and running backs coach David Johnson.

• National Championship Vision: Clemons shares Malzahn’s ambitious goals, expressing his belief in FSU’s potential.

📋 Recruitment Snapshot

• Top Competition: Florida and Auburn are in the mix, along with Miami, Ole Miss, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.

• Next Steps: FSU will continue to build its relationship with Clemons to fend off strong competition from SEC rivals.

👉 Read more here

🛡️ FSU Eyes Transfer LB Marques Watson-Trent 🛡️

Florida State is targeting one of the most productive Group of Five linebackers in the nation, Marques Watson-Trent, as a potential game-changing addition to its defense. The graduate transfer from Georgia Southern brings an impressive résumé and could fill a crucial gap for the Seminoles.

🔑 Why Watson-Trent Stands Out

• Elite Productivity: A three-year starter, Watson-Trent has surpassed 100 tackles in each of his starting seasons, including a stellar 120 tackles in 2024.

• Conference Accolades: He was named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, backed by an 80.7 PFF Grade and an 88.0 Run Defense Grade.

• Career Stats: Over his collegiate career, Watson-Trent has amassed:

  • 365 tackles

  • 26 tackles for loss

  • 6 forced fumbles

  • 6 sacks

🌟 Recruitment Update

• FSU’s Interest: Watson-Trent confirmed mutual interest and is working to set up an official visit when the transfer window reopens on January 1st.

• One Year Left: As a graduate transfer, the Pittsburgh native has one season of eligibility remaining due to two redshirt years, including one after a season-ending injury in 2021.

📋 What Watson-Trent Brings to FSU

• Run Defense Excellence: His dominant run defense skills would be a perfect addition to the Seminoles’ linebacker corps.

• Experience: With 365 career tackles and extensive starting experience, Watson-Trent offers leadership and on-field savvy.

• Immediate Impact: As a veteran with a proven track record, he has the potential to make an immediate difference in 2025.

👉 Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

With key transfers, legacy pride, and rising recruiting momentum, the foundation is being laid for an exciting 2025. From Petitbon anchoring the offensive line to Clemons and Cromartie Jr. representing the future, the Seminoles are doubling down on a vision for excellence.

Keep those spirits high, Seminole Nation. The best is yet to come.

Until next time,
The Chief Brief Team 🏹