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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

This edition of The Chief Brief dives into the Seminoles' continued efforts to revamp their roster, both through the Transfer Portal and high-impact recruiting. From reshaping the defensive line to targeting emerging talents, Florida State is poised for a transformative offseason.

🛬 FSU Set to Host Transfer DE Deamontae Diggs

The Seminoles are eyeing Coastal Carolina standout Deamontae Diggs as a key addition to their defensive line rebuild. With proven production and versatility, Diggs could be the perfect complement to FSU’s new defensive front.

🔄 Revamping the Defensive End Room

After significant turnover at the position, Florida State is reloading with a mix of portal additions, JUCO transfers, and promising high school talent. Learn how the Seminoles are crafting a versatile defensive end lineup to fit Tony White’s 3-3-5 scheme.

🔒️ FSU Targets Transfer LB Caleb LaVallee

North Carolina linebacker Caleb LaVallee is in FSU’s sights following a standout bowl game performance. With an official visit to Tallahassee on the horizon, the Seminoles aim to secure a critical piece for their defensive unit.

🛡️ 4-Star EDGE Zahir Mathis Schedules FSU Visit

Zahir Mathis, one of the top unsigned prospects in the 2025 class, is set to visit Florida State in January. The Seminoles are rekindling their recruitment of Mathis, vying for the chance to add a marquee talent to their defensive line.

🏆 FSU’s NFL Rookies Shine Bright

From Jared Verse’s Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign to Braden Fiske’s record-chasing season with the Rams, Florida State’s 2024 draft class is thriving. Catch up on the impressive stats and stories from Seminoles making waves in the NFL.

📅 Traylon Ray Sets Official Visit to FSU

Wide receiver Traylon Ray, a Tallahassee native and West Virginia transfer, has scheduled an official visit to Florida State. With ties to the area and a proven ability to stretch the field, Ray could be the next addition to FSU’s growing offensive arsenal.

🛬 FSU Set to Host Transfer DE Deamontae Diggs 🛬 

Florida State is continuing its defensive line rebuild, targeting Coastal Carolina edge rusher Deamontae Diggs as the latest potential addition to its roster. Diggs is scheduled to visit Tallahassee from January 2-3, with Kansas also in the mix for his services.

🌟 Diggs’ Career Highlights:

• 2024 at Coastal Carolina:

  • 441 snaps

  • 5 sacks

  • 18 total pressures

  • 18 tackles

• 2023 at Youngstown State:

  • 217 snaps

  • 80 PFF grade

  • Elite 88 pass rush grade

🔑 Why Diggs Stands Out:

• Proven Production: In just one season at Coastal Carolina, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound Diggs showed his ability to disrupt offenses, with a strong performance against Power 4 competition like Virginia (72.6 PFF defensive grade).

• Versatility: His experience at both Coastal Carolina and Youngstown State highlights his adaptability and consistent impact in different defensive schemes.

Adding Diggs would continue Florida State’s momentum in building a formidable defensive front for 2025, complementing transfers James Williams (Nebraska) and Deante McCray (Western Kentucky).

👉 Read more about Diggs’ potential impact here.

🔄 FSU Reshaping Defensive End Room Amid Another Portal Entry 🔄

Florida State’s defensive end depth chart has undergone a complete overhaul after a challenging 2024 season, coaching changes, and the shift to a 3-3-5 defensive scheme under first-year coordinator Tony White. With six defensive ends entering the transfer portal, including freshman DD Holmes’ entry to the portal on Sunday, the Seminoles are reloading their roster with fresh talent and a revamped strategy.

🌟 Departures and Changes:

• Notable Departures:

  • Four-star freshman DD Holmes (entered portal after limited action in 2024).

  • Starters Patrick Payton (transferred to LSU) and Marvin Jones Jr.

  • Backups Byron Turner, Lamont Green, Dante Anderson, and Tomiwa Durojaiye.

• Eligibility Exhausted: Sione Lolohea.

• Remaining DEs: Jaden Jones (returning from a knee injury) and reserve Aaron Hester (10 tackles in 2024).

🌟 Additions and Adjustments:

• Portal Acquisitions:

  • Deante McCray (Western Kentucky): 59 tackles, 2.5 sacks in 2024.

  • James Williams (Nebraska): 5 sacks as a situational pass-rusher in 2024.

• Defensive Line Adaptations: Returning defensive tackles like Darrell Jackson, Daniel Lyons, and KJ Sampson may rotate into edge roles to fit White’s scheme.

🌟 Early Signing Period Haul:

• JUCO Transfer: Tyeland Coleman.

• High School Signees:

  • Jesse Harrold (flipped from LSU).

  • Tylon Lee (flipped from Ole Miss).

  • Darryll Desir and Mandrell Desir.

🔑 New Coaching Dynamics:

• Defensive Line Coach: Terrance Knighton, joining FSU from Nebraska, will lead the revamped DE group.

• Linebackers Coach: Former DEs coach John Papuchis now oversees the linebackers following Randy Shannon’s departure.

As the Seminoles rebuild their defensive end unit, they are crafting a more versatile lineup designed to thrive in White’s innovative 3-3-5 scheme. With incoming talent and coaching expertise, Florida State aims to turn this roster turnover into an opportunity for growth and success.

👉 Read more about the Seminoles’ defensive makeover here.

🔒️ FSU Eyes Transfer LB Caleb LaVallee from UNC 🔒️ 

Florida State is zeroing in on North Carolina linebacker Caleb LaVallee, who recently entered the Transfer Portal after a breakout performance in UNC's bowl game. LaVallee is expected to visit Tallahassee on January 1 or 2, making FSU his first stop as he evaluates new opportunities.

🌟 Why Caleb LaVallee?

• Standout Bowl Game: Led UNC with 9 tackles and a 77.6 PFF grade in his first career start against UConn.

• Emerging Talent: A former three-star recruit (2023 class), LaVallee is a 6'1", 225-pound linebacker with three years of eligibility left.

• Family Connection: His younger brother, Noah LaVallee, a 2026 linebacker, already has an FSU offer, deepening ties to the Seminoles.

🔑 Recruitment Update

• Early Visit Priority: FSU is pushing for LaVallee’s first visit post-portal entry, aiming to host him as soon as January 1.

• Competition Heating Up: Indiana and Oklahoma are also making their cases, but FSU looks to secure his commitment quickly if the visit goes well.

• Proven Interest: With Mike Norvell personally reaching out, the Seminoles are signaling LaVallee is a top priority.

📋 The Opportunity

• Immediate Impact: FSU’s linebacker depth needs reinforcements, and LaVallee’s potential aligns with Tony White’s defensive vision.

• Development Areas: Despite some challenges with missed tackles during the season, his upside was evident in situational roles and his bowl game performance.

If LaVallee commits, he could provide stability and growth potential to a key position for the Seminoles as they continue retooling their defense for 2025.

👉 More details on LaVallee’s recruitment here.

🛡️ FSU to Host 4-Star EDGE Zahir Mathis for January Official Visit 🛡️

Philadelphia (Pa.) Imhotep standout Zahir Mathis, one of the nation’s top unsigned prospects for the 2025 cycle, is reigniting his recruitment after decommitting from Ohio State in November. Florida State is among the key programs vying for the four-star EDGE, with Mathis planning an official visit to Tallahassee in January.

🌟 Mathis’ Recruitment Highlights

• High-Level Talent: Ranked as one of the top EDGE players in the 2025 class, Mathis has drawn interest from several elite programs due to his physicality and on-field production.

• Renewed Pursuit by FSU: Florida State actively recruited Mathis prior to his commitment to Ohio State and ramped up their efforts following his decommitment. Mathis praised the Seminoles for their consistent approach and connection.

• Competing Contenders: Alongside FSU, Mathis has official visits planned to Michigan and UCLA, and he remains open to other schools, including a possible return to Ohio State.

🔑 What Mathis is Looking For

• Early Playing Time: A primary factor in Mathis’ decision is the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the field.

• Coaching Connections: Building strong relationships with the coaching staff is a top priority, with Mathis emphasizing respect and trust as key attributes.

• Player-Centric Environment: Evaluating team culture and how current players interact with the coaching staff will play a significant role in his decision.

📅 What’s Next for Mathis

Mathis is expected to visit Florida State in January, with official dates to be finalized soon. With signing day approaching in February, the Seminoles have an opportunity to secure a marquee addition to their defensive line as they continue to bolster their 2025 recruiting class.

👉 More on Zahir Mathis’ Recruitment and FSU’s Efforts Here

🏆 FSU Rookies Shine in the NFL: Verse and Fiske Lead the Way 🏆

Florida State’s 2024 NFL Draft class is making waves across the league, with rookies stepping up as key contributors for their teams. From standout performances by Jared Verse and Braden Fiske on the Rams' defensive line to impactful plays by Keon Coleman, Renardo Green, and others, the Seminoles’ presence is being felt on NFL fields nationwide.

🌟 Rookie Standouts

• Jared Verse (DE): A frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year, Verse has tallied 65 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, showcasing his dominance on the Rams’ defensive line.

• Braden Fiske (DL): With 8 sacks and 43 tackles, Fiske is one sack away from tying the Rams’ rookie record, a milestone set by legends Aaron Donald and Kobie Turner.

🏈 Other Seminoles Making an Impact

FSU’s 2024 NFL Draft class has delivered across various teams:

• Keon Coleman (WR, Bills): 24 receptions for 498 yards and 3 touchdowns.

• Renardo Green (CB, 49ers): 54 tackles, 9 pass breakups, and 1 interception.

• Trey Benson (RB, Cardinals): 63 rushes for 291 yards and 1 touchdown; 5 catches for 59 yards.

• Jarrian Jones (DB, Jaguars): 32 tackles, 7 pass breakups, and 1 interception.

• Johnny Wilson (WR, Eagles): 2 receptions for 14 yards and 1 touchdown.

• Jaheim Bell (TE, Patriots): 1 reception for 1 yard.

• Tatum Bethune (LB, 49ers): 2 tackles and 1 fumble recovery.

• Jordan Travis (QB, Jets): On injured reserve.

📋 Looking Ahead

• Final Game: Verse and Fiske have one last regular-season matchup against Seattle to continue their impressive campaigns.

• Draft Legacy: With six major contributors and others poised for growth, FSU’s 2024 NFL Draft class is a testament to the program’s ability to develop NFL-ready talent.

Florida State’s NFL rookies are proving that Seminoles shine brightly at the next level, setting a standard for future classes to follow.

👉 Read more about FSU’s impact in the NFL here.

📅 Traylon Ray Schedules Official Visit to Florida State 📅

Florida State continues its pursuit of West Virginia transfer and Tallahassee native Traylon Ray, with the wide receiver set to make an official visit to Tallahassee on January 3. After a brief unofficial visit before the dead period, Ray is now poised for a deeper look at what the Seminoles have to offer.

🔑 Ray’s Collegiate Highlights

• Steady Contributor: Ray has logged over 874 snaps in two seasons, providing consistent production for West Virginia.

• Big-Play Ability: In 2024, he totaled 28 receptions for 426 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 15.2 yards per catch. His career-best performance came in the Duke's Mayo Bowl, with 91 yards and a touchdown on three receptions.

• Improvement Potential: Ray earned a 68.8 PFF grade in 2024, signaling room for growth as he transitions to a new program.

🏡 Back to Tallahassee

Ray’s ties to Tallahassee and North Florida Christian High School make FSU an appealing destination. As the Seminoles look to build on the addition of four-star transfer Duce Robinson, Ray could provide crucial depth and a proven ability to stretch the field.

With a visit to Ole Miss scheduled for January 7-8, FSU has the first opportunity to leave a lasting impression.

👉 More on Traylon Ray’s Recruitment and His Potential Impact on FSU

And that’s a wrap!

As FSU continues to reshape its roster and elevate its program, the energy in Tallahassee is undeniable. From Transfer Portal pursuits to building future NFL stars, the Seminoles are setting the stage for an unforgettable 2025. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, Go ‘Noles! 🍢 🏹