🏹 December 7th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Welcome to the latest edition of The Chief Brief! Here's a sneak peek at the exciting stories we're covering:

⚽ Onyi Echegini's Trophy Quest: Dive into the story of FSU Women's Soccer star Onyi Echegini's remarkable season and her nomination for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy.

🏈 Alex Mastromanno's All-American Honor: Discover how FSU's punting powerhouse, Alex Mastromanno, earned his place as a second-team All-American and his shot at the Ray Guy Award.

🏆 Mike Norvell's Coaching Milestone: Read about FSU head coach Mike Norvell clinching the AFCA Region 1 Coach of the Year and his impressive leadership journey.

🏟️ Johnny Wilson's NFL Aspirations: Follow the journey of FSU's wide receiver Johnny Wilson as he declares for the 2024 NFL Draft, eyeing a bright future in professional football.

🔄 Transfer Portal Quarterback Roundup: Get the latest updates on the bustling college football transfer portal, focusing on the quarterback market's dynamic changes.

🚪 Bless Harris' New Beginnings: Learn about offensive tackle Bless Harris’s decision to enter the Transfer Portal and what it means for his career and FSU's lineup.

🔍 Norvell's Recruiting Blitz: Join Coach Norvell on his recruiting spree across the DMV, meeting key prospects and shaping FSU's future roster.

🌀 Patrick Payton's Portal Puzzle: Unravel the complexities surrounding defensive end Patrick Payton's surprising announcement to enter the transfer portal and its subsequent retraction.

Stay tuned for all these stories and more in this edition of The Chief Brief!

⚽ Onyi Echegini: FSU's Beacon of Soccer Excellence

In the realm of college soccer, Florida State Women's Soccer continues to set the bar high, with Onyi Echegini's nomination as a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy standing as the latest testament to this.

Her journey to this prestigious moment is marked by a season of remarkable achievements, adding another chapter to FSU's storied legacy in the sport.

Echegini's season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Scoring 16 goals in 23 games, she not only propelled FSU to its fourth National Championship and its first undefeated season but also etched her name into the school's record books.

This scoring feat ties her for the eighth-most goals in a single season in FSU history and marks the highest goal count by a Seminole since the renowned Deyna Castellanos in 2017.

Beyond her goal-scoring prowess, Echegini's overall contribution to the team's success is evident in her point tally.

Accumulating 37 points, she stood at the summit of the ACC alongside teammate Jordynn Dudley, showcasing her ability to both score and create scoring opportunities.

Nationally, these points place her among the top ten players in the NCAA, underlining her status as a key player on the national stage.

Her influence was particularly felt during the NCAA Tournament, where she demonstrated her clutch performance ability.

With three goals and two assists over six games, Echegini proved integral to FSU's path to victory, especially in high-pressure situations.

As the FSU community awaits the announcement of the MAC Hermann Trophy winner on January 5, Echegini's nomination is a source of pride and a reflection of FSU's commitment to excellence in women's soccer.

She follows in the illustrious footsteps of FSU greats like Jaelin Howell and Mami Yamauchi, aiming to secure FSU's fourth MAC Hermann Trophy.

Echegini's journey this season, marked by her scoring feats and overall impact, is not just a personal achievement but a beacon of FSU's sustained dominance in college soccer.

🏈 Alex Mastromanno: FSU's All-American Punting Prodigy

Florida State's redshirt junior punter, Alex Mastromanno, has earned a well-deserved spot as a second-team All-American, recognized by CBS Sports/247Sports.

His exceptional performance this season also places him among the top contenders for the Ray Guy Award, an accolade reserved for the nation's finest punter.

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Mastromanno has been a crucial asset to FSU's special teams.

Averaging 45.3 yards across 60 punts this season, he ranks 19th nationally and third in the ACC.

His prowess isn't just in distance; his accuracy and control are equally impressive. With 17 punts traveling over 50 yards, 24 downed inside the 20-yard line, and 35 fair catches, Mastromanno has consistently put FSU in advantageous field positions.

His standout performances have been key in several high-stakes games. In the ACC Championship Game against Louisville, he had a career-high seven punts fair caught.

Against formidable opponents like Clemson and Miami, Mastromanno's ability to execute long-distance punts with precision was on full display, including a season-high 59-yard punt achieved in three different games.

Mastromanno's excellence extends beyond this season. Throughout his career at FSU, he has punted 190 times, averaging 43.5 yards, and has been instrumental in pinning opponents deep in their territory.

As FSU eagerly awaits the announcement of the Ray Guy Award winner, Mastromanno's nomination and All-American recognition are testaments to his extraordinary talent and his pivotal role in FSU's football success.

🏆 Mike Norvell Clinches AFCA Region 1 Coach of the Year

Florida State's head coach, Mike Norvell, has been named AFCA Region 1 Coach of the Year, a testament to his remarkable leadership in guiding the Seminoles to an undefeated season and an Orange Bowl berth.

This accolade adds to his honors as the ACC Coach of the Year and his status as a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award.

In his fourth season, Norvell has steered FSU to the program's seventh undefeated regular season, highlighted by an ACC Championship win and a top-four AP Poll ranking.

This achievement marks Norvell as the first FSU coach since Bobby Bowden in 1997 to win ACC Coach of the Year.

Under Norvell's command, FSU boasts significant stats: eight wins over bowl-eligible Power 5 teams, and a national lead in comeback victories.

The team has also excelled in defense, leading the nation in several categories, and has dominated the ACC in both scoring offense and defense.

Norvell's strategic prowess and ability to foster a winning team culture are evident in FSU's impressive performance and on the recruiting trail.

🏟️ FSU's Johnny Wilson Eyes NFL Future

Florida State's standout wide receiver, Johnny Wilson, is set to make his mark in the NFL, as ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports his declaration for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Wilson, known for his significant impact on FSU's offense, has been a key player during his tenure in Tallahassee.

In the 2023 season, Wilson's contributions were substantial, with 41 receptions for 617 yards and two touchdowns. Only trailing behind teammate Keon Coleman in these categories, his decision to enter the draft follows what is expected to be a similar move by Coleman.

Wilson's physical attributes are noteworthy. At 6-7 and over 235 pounds, he presents a formidable challenge for any cornerback, offering a unique advantage with his size and reach. This advantage has positioned him as a potential top-100 pick in the draft.

The journey to the NFL is multifaceted, and Wilson's road to impressing scouts is just beginning. He is set to participate in the Senior Bowl, offering a prime opportunity to showcase his skills against seasoned college football peers.

Following this, Wilson will have further chances to prove his mettle at the NFL Combine and Florida State’s Pro Day, where his performance could solidify his standing as one of the top receivers in the draft cycle.

🔄 Quarterback Shakeups: The Latest in College Football's Transfer Portal

The college football transfer portal is buzzing, particularly with quarterbacks making moves and drawing interest from top programs. Here’s a quick rundown of some notable names and their current status:

• Cameron Ward, Washington State: A top quarterback in the transfer market, Ward is drawing interest from multiple schools, including Miami, USC, Nebraska, Washington, Wisconsin, and Florida State. His solid performance has made him a highly sought-after prospect.

• Dante Moore, UCLA: The former five-star passer is exploring options with Michigan, Oregon, and Miami among the contenders. Moore's flexibility in learning behind a veteran starter for a year is making him an attractive option for these programs.

• Dequan Finn, Toledo: The 2023 MAC Offensive Player of the Year, Finn is attracting attention from Power Five schools, including Wisconsin, after a strong season.

• Will Rogers, Mississippi State: Despite a mixed 2023 season, Rogers remains a favorable option for many, with Washington and Miami showing interest.

• DJ Uiagalelei, Oregon State: Uiagalelei's revived market could see him considering options like Florida State, where his skill set could thrive.

• Riley Leonard, Duke: Leonard, heavily on the NFL radar, is seen as a likely fit for Notre Dame, with other schools like Ohio State also showing interest.

• Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma: One of the most productive passers in college history, Gabriel is reported to be leaning towards Oregon for his next move.

• Sam Leavitt, Michigan State: Leavitt has garnered interest from several schools, including Utah, BYU, Washington State, and Nebraska.

• Chandler Rogers, North Texas: Rogers, still to be ranked, is on the radar of several Power Five teams due to his impressive stats this season.

These movements and interests underscore the dynamic nature of college football's transfer portal, especially in the quarterback market, which remains one of the most closely watched aspects of the sport.

🚪 FSU's Bless Harris to Explore Options via Transfer Portal

Florida State's offensive tackle, Bless Harris, has announced his decision to enter the Transfer Portal. Known for his proficiency as a high-caliber pass blocker, Harris shared this update over social media, marking a new chapter in his collegiate football career.

Harris, who joined FSU after transferring from FCS school Lamar, has been a part-time starter for the Seminoles. Although his time at FSU has been affected by injuries, including missing almost all of the 2022 season except for the opener where he started at right tackle, his contributions when fit have been noteworthy.

In the past season, Harris started in 5 games and made appearances in 11. Listed as a redshirt senior, he is expected to have one year of eligibility remaining for the 2024 season.

This move comes as Harris seeks new opportunities to showcase his skills and continue his football journey. His departure will lead FSU to make adjustments on their offensive line for the upcoming season.

🔍 Coach Norvell's Recruiting Blitz Across the DMV

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell, along with defensive ends coach John Papuchis and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans, is vigorously hitting the recruiting trail this week, making significant stops in the DMV area (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia).

A highlight of their itinerary is a visit to Gonzaga High School in Washington D.C. to meet with four-star defensive end commitment DD Holmes.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 250 pounds, Holmes, who chose FSU over South Carolina and Maryland, has excited the FSU staff with his potential as a dynamic pass rusher.

The FSU coaches are also slated to meet Olney (MD) four-star wide receiver commitment Elijah Moore.

Moore, a tall and talented 6-foot-4.5, 200-pound receiver, picked FSU over Ohio State and is the only wideout over 6-foot-1 in FSU's 2024 recruiting class.

Another key visit on their agenda is with Bishop McNamara's four-star edge rusher Lugard Edokpayi in District Heights, Maryland.

Recently offered by FSU, the 6-foot-6, 215-pound Edokpayi has seen a surge in his recruitment and is considering Michigan, Texas A&M, Minnesota, and Rutgers alongside FSU. He is scheduled for an official visit to FSU from December 15-17.

Norvell and his team are expected to continue their recruitment efforts with more critical stops on Thursday, underscoring their commitment to strengthening FSU's future roster.

🌀 Patrick Payton's Transfer Portal Decision: A Twist in the Tale

In a surprising development that's sparked conversation among FSU fans, starting defensive end Patrick Payton announced his intent to enter the transfer portal through a now-deleted tweet.

This sudden turn of events seems to be tied to a dispute with The Battle's End, FSU's associated NIL collective, reflecting the growing complexity of college athletics in the NIL era.

Payton, known for his significant contributions as a redshirt freshman with five sacks and the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year title, further solidified his impact this season with impressive stats. His six sacks, a team-high 13.5 tackles for loss, and 10 batted passes have made him a key player on FSU's defensive line.

The deleted tweet and the fact that he has yet to actually put his name into the portal have left Payton's status somewhat ambiguous. While it initially appeared he was set to explore new opportunities, the subsequent developments indicate that his decision might be influenced by factors beyond the football field.

This situation sheds light on the intricate dynamics of NIL deals and their potential influence on athletes' decisions. As Payton navigates his next steps, whether in the portal or possibly reconsidering his stay at FSU, it underscores the evolving landscape of college sports where NIL considerations are becoming increasingly significant.

That’s a wrap!

If you’re still seething with rage over the exclusion from the College Football Playoff, you have a spirit animal on this special Thursday.

Check out this 25 minutes from Tim Brando on Fox Sports. He is bursting with disgust and we love it: