🏹 December 3rd - The Chief Brief 🏹

Fresh Starts and New Beginnings: FSU’s Path Forward in Volleyball, Hoops, and Football

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The Chief
December 03, 2024

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Today’s Poll

Which position group should be FSU’s top priority in the Transfer Portal?

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Tuesday, Seminole!

There’s tons of activity going on and we’ve got you covered:

⚽ FSU Volleyball Duo Audrey Koenig and Khori Louis Named to All-ACC First Team ⚽
Florida State volleyball seniors Audrey Koenig and Khori Louis have earned All-ACC First Team honors, marking a historic achievement for the program. Koenig’s record-breaking season and Louis’ dominance in the middle have helped propel FSU to new heights.

🏀 Ta'Niya Latson Named ACC Co-Player of the Week 🏀
FSU junior guard Ta'Niya Latson continues her stellar season, earning ACC Co-Player of the Week honors. Latson’s MVP performance at the Paradise Jam, along with her record-setting triple-double, highlights her as one of the nation’s top players.

🏈 Tony White Named FSU’s Next Defensive Coordinator 🏈
Florida State has officially hired Tony White as its new defensive coordinator. With a proven track record at Nebraska and Syracuse, White brings a new defensive philosophy that could reshape FSU’s approach to stopping the run.

🏈 Tony White's Impact: Potential Nebraska Recruits to Watch for FSU 🏈
With the addition of Tony White, FSU is now eyeing potential Nebraska recruits he helped bring in. From linebackers to defensive linemen, these players could be key targets for FSU in the final days before Signing Day.

🏈 Offensive Line Transfer Derek Simmons Receives FSU Scholarship Offer 🏈
Derek Simmons, an offensive line transfer from Western Carolina, has received a scholarship offer from FSU. Standing at 6-6, 325 pounds, Simmons could provide depth to FSU’s offensive line as the team looks to rebuild for the future.

🏈 FSU’s Search for a Quarterback in the Transfer Portal 🏈
As Florida State prepares for a crucial offseason, quarterback remains a top priority. Several intriguing transfer portal options could provide FSU with the stability needed at the position, with names like CJ Bailey and Avery Johnson making waves.

🏈 FSU Freshman Class and Redshirt Players: A Look at 2024 Performances 🏈
With the 2024 season now complete, we break down the performances of FSU’s freshman class and redshirt players. From Luke Kromenhoek’s development at quarterback to Landen Thomas’ impact at tight end, several young Seminoles showed promise for the future.

🏐 FSU Volleyball Duo Audrey Koenig and Khori Louis Named to All-ACC First Team 🏐


Florida State volleyball seniors Audrey Koenig and Khori Louis have been named to the All-ACC First Team, marking the first time since 2018 that FSU has had multiple players recognized in back-to-back seasons. They join Pitt, Louisville, and Stanford as the only schools with multiple players on the prestigious list.

🌟 Koenig's Historic Season 🌟
Koenig has been outstanding for the Seminoles, leading the team with 393 kills—her most in a single season at FSU.

The Wesley Chapel native also leads the team with 49 aces, the most by a Seminole since 2009. Koenig set a school record with 25 consecutive matches of 10 or more kills and became the sixth player in FSU history to reach 1,000 kills in the rally scoring era.

She’s currently second in program history with 1,350 kills and was named ACC Offensive Player of the Week twice this season.

🔑 Louis Dominates in the Middle 🔑
Louis has been a force at middle blocker, with 328 kills and a .427 hitting percentage that leads the ACC and ranks 11th nationally.

She’s also FSU’s leader in blocks with 128 total and 1.14 blocks per set, a career high. Louis is on track to break the program’s career hitting percentage record and was recently named the AVCA/GameChanger National Player of the Week.

She was also selected as the No. 6 overall pick in the PVF Draft by the Atlanta Vibe.

🏀 Ta'Niya Latson Named ACC Co-Player of the Week 🏀

Florida State junior guard Ta'Niya Latson has been named the ACC Co-Player of the Week by the Blue Ribbon Panel, marking her 15th career ACC weekly honor.

Latson was also named the World Exposure Report Player of the Week for NCAA Division I, joining notable players from Rutgers, Harvard, and Notre Dame.

🌟 Paradise Jam MVP and Triple-Double History 🌟
Latson was named MVP of the Paradise Jam, scoring 75 points and leading FSU to victories over Texas Tech, Missouri State, and Gonzaga.

She began the tournament with her second career double-double, scoring 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Latson also recorded a triple-double against Gonzaga with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming just the fourth Seminole in program history to achieve the feat.

She is one of only nine players in NCAA Division I this season to record a triple-double. Latson leads the nation in scoring with 26.1 points per game.

🏈 Tony White Named FSU’s Next Defensive Coordinator 🏈


Florida State has hired Tony White as its new defensive coordinator, securing a three-year deal with the former Nebraska defensive mastermind.

White, who led Nebraska’s defense to back-to-back Top 20 performances in the opponent-adjusted FEI Defense Ratings, brings a proven track record of maximizing talent and defensive efficiency.

🌟 Proven Defensive Leader 🌟
White joins FSU after two successful seasons at Nebraska, where his defenses ranked 13th and 20th in points allowed per game.

Prior to his time with the Cornhuskers, White served as Syracuse’s defensive coordinator and also worked at Arizona State and San Diego State, where he earned a reputation as a strong recruiter and defensive strategist.

💥 A Different Defensive Philosophy 💥
White runs a base 3-3-5 defense, learned from Rocky Long, and focuses on stopping the run, ranking sixth nationally in yards allowed before contact this season.

While his defensive philosophy differs from former coordinator Adam Fuller’s approach, White’s commitment to stopping the run will be a cornerstone of his defensive strategy. However, his defenses have historically struggled on third down, an area he will look to improve at FSU.

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🏈 Tony White's Impact: Potential Nebraska Recruits to Watch for FSU 🏈


With the official hire of Tony White as FSU’s defensive coordinator, attention turns to the prospects he helped recruit for Nebraska and whether any of them could now be targets for the Seminoles. Although time is short before Signing Day, FSU could still explore these potential additions to bolster their defense.

🔑 4-star LB Dawson Merritt 🔑
Merritt, Nebraska's top-ranked commit in the 2025 class, is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound linebacker who was flipped from Alabama earlier this cycle. White was involved in Merritt's recruitment, and FSU could use an infusion of talent at linebacker. While it’s unclear if White’s move to FSU will affect Merritt’s commitment, he’s a name to watch.

💥 4-star DL Malcolm Simpson 💥
A blue-chip defensive lineman from Texas, Simpson has been committed to Nebraska since June. While Simpson doesn’t expect White’s departure to impact his recruitment, things could change if defensive line coach Terrance Knighton joins White at FSU, as has been rumored. At 6-foot-3, 255 pounds, Simpson could be a key addition to FSU’s defensive line.

🌟 4-star LB Christian Jones 🌟
Jones, Nebraska’s No. 1 ranked recruit, has been committed to the Huskers since September. The 6-foot-2.5, 215-pound linebacker would be the highest-ranked LB in FSU’s 2025 class if he were to flip. While there’s no current buzz about FSU’s interest, the Seminoles should consider exploring Jones’ recruitment.

💭 4-star DL Kade Pietrzak 💭
Pietrzak, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive lineman from North Dakota, is another high-profile Nebraska commit. White was the secondary recruiter for Pietrzak, and FSU should explore getting involved in his recruitment due to the Seminoles' need along the defensive line and White’s personal connection to him.

🏈 Offensive Line Transfer Derek Simmons Receives FSU Scholarship Offer 🏈


Derek Simmons, an offensive line transfer from Western Carolina, has received a scholarship offer from Florida State. Simmons (6-6, 325) joins a list of Power Four programs, including Pittsburgh, Houston, and UCF, who have shown interest in the Jacksonville native.

🔑 Impressive Career, Room for Improvement 🔑
Simmons has 1,579 career snaps and earned a solid PFF Grade of 78.8 this season at WCU. While he showcases good mobility as a run blocker, he’s struggled at times with pass protection, particularly when facing higher competition. His potential may be better suited to a move inside at the next level. Simmons’ experience includes stints at Tusculum, Abilene Christian, and WCU.

💥 UCF Connection and FSU's Offensive Line Pursuit 💥
The offer from UCF is notable, as FSU is expected to announce Gus Malzahn as its new offensive coordinator soon. Malzahn, formerly the head coach at UCF, is expected to be key in FSU's aggressive pursuit of offensive line transfers, especially as the Seminoles look to replace three starting tackles from a struggling line this past season.

💭 Coaching Vacancy and Transfer Focus 💭
With FSU still searching for a new offensive line coach following Alex Atkins’ dismissal in November, Simmons could be one of many potential additions to help rebuild the Seminoles' offensive line.

🏈 FSU’s Search for a Quarterback in the Transfer Portal 🏈


As Florida State prepares for a critical offseason, quarterback remains a tricky position. With underclassmen Luke Kromenhoek and Brock Glenn yet to thrive in extended play, FSU could look to the Transfer Portal for a signal-caller to help turn things around. Here are some names to watch as the portal opens next week.

🔑 CJ Bailey, NC State (Fr.) 🔑
A standout true freshman, Bailey threw for 2,184 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Standing 6-foot-6, he’s a dual-threat quarterback with excellent mobility and significant upside. The South Florida native could be a major target, but his arrival may lead to FSU losing one of its young quarterbacks.

💥 Avery Johnson, Kansas State (Soph.) 💥
A dual-threat quarterback with great mobility, Johnson rushed for 548 yards this season. He passed for 22 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, showcasing playmaking ability. If Johnson enters the portal, FSU could benefit from his skillset, but it could also complicate the quarterback room with Kromenhoek and Glenn.

🌟 Jalon Daniels, Kansas (RS Jr.) 🌟
Daniels offers experience and mobility, making him a potential bridge quarterback for FSU. He had a strong 2022 but struggled in 2023 before settling down. With his running ability and veteran presence, Daniels could help stabilize the position while mentoring younger quarterbacks.

💭 Darian Mensah, Tulane (RS Fr.) 💭
Mensah had a breakout season, passing for 2,514 yards and 20 touchdowns. He lacks mobility but has shown he can manage games efficiently. If FSU looks for a steady, mature option, Mensah could be a viable choice from the G5 level.

📝 John Mateer, Washington State (RS Soph.) 📝
Mateer passed for over 3,100 yards and 29 touchdowns this season, adding 826 rushing yards. With impressive numbers and great mobility, he could thrive in FSU’s system. However, his ability to adapt to a higher competition level would need to be considered.

🚨 Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech (RS Jr.) 🚨
A one-year bridge quarterback with mobility, Drones offers rushing ability and power. After a strong 2023 season, he could fit FSU’s offense but would come with questions about his passing consistency.

📊 Thomas Castellanos, Boston College (Jr.) 📊
Castellanos, a former FSU target, brings high-end mobility and solid production at BC. With one year left, he could provide depth but may not threaten Kromenhoek for the starting role. His passing efficiency will be a factor to assess.

💥 Devon Dampier, New Mexico (Soph.) 💥
Dampier is an explosive rusher, with 1,166 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. Though his passing is still developing, his mobility and raw potential make him a candidate for FSU to consider in the portal.

🔑 Gio Lopez, South Alabama (RS Fr.) 🔑
Lopez impressed with 2,559 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, along with 465 rushing yards. He’s a regional option with potential, but questions about his development as a passer make him more of a long-term project for FSU.

🏈 FSU Freshman Class and Redshirt Players: A Look at 2024 Performances 🏈


Florida State completed their 2024 season, and it’s time to review how the freshman class and redshirt players performed throughout the year. Several freshmen made their mark, while others gained valuable experience in limited roles or through redshirt status.

🌟 Freshman Class Highlights 🌟

  • QB Luke Kromenhoek: Played in six games, starting two. Kromenhoek threw for 502 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions while rushing for 113 yards.

  • RB Kam Davis: Appeared in nine games, rushing for 173 yards on 52 carries and adding 21 yards through the air.

  • WR Lawayne McCoy: Played in 10 games, contributing six receptions for 52 yards and 10 punt returns for 30 yards.

  • TE Landen Thomas: Made an immediate impact, playing all 12 games with 14 receptions for 173 yards and a touchdown.

  • CB Charles Lester III: Played in four games, recording three tackles and a pass breakup.

  • OL Jonathan Daniels: Played his lone game against Charleston Southern, marking his career debut.

💥 Players Who Earned a Redshirt 💥
Several players from the 2024 class did not see significant action and earned a redshirt:

  • QB Trever Jackson: Played in one game against Charleston Southern, earning a redshirt.

  • RB Micahi Danzy: Appeared in four games, earning a redshirt after limited action.

  • WR Elijah Moore: Played in four games, earning a redshirt for his limited participation.

  • OL Manasse Itete: Did not play this season, qualifying for a redshirt.

  • DL D'Nas White, DT Jamorie Flagg, and Edge DD Holmes: Each made their debut in one game, qualifying for a redshirt.

  • LB Timir Hickman-Collins and Jayden Parrish: Did not appear in a game and earned redshirts.

🌟 Other Notable Redshirt Candidates 🌟

  • RB Roydell Williams: Appeared in four games, rushing for 53 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching five passes for 46 yards.

  • WR Destyn Hill: Did not play due to injury, qualifying for a redshirt.

  • DB Omarion Cooper: Played in three games, recording two tackles and a pass breakup, earning a redshirt.

  • OL Richie Leonard IV: Played in four games before a season-ending injury, qualifying for a redshirt.

And that’s a wrap!

As Florida State looks to rebuild and strengthen its roster, from the volleyball court to the football field, the focus is on developing talent, making strategic hires, and pushing forward with renewed determination.

With key decisions ahead—whether it’s landing top recruits or filling coaching vacancies—FSU’s future is in the hands of those committed to turning things around.

Stay tuned for the latest updates as the offseason unfolds!

Go Noles!

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