🏹 January 10th - The Chief Brief 🏹

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The Chief
January 10, 2025

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

🔝 Dive into today's edition, where we spotlight an FSU soccer star turning pro, golf standouts at an elite tournament, tennis' dominant home opener, and a star-studded recruiting weekend. Here's what to expect:

⚽ Taylor Huff Goes Pro with Bay FC
The Seminoles' 2023 National Champion midfielder signs a pro deal with Bay FC, capping her stellar college career and joining a growing legacy of FSU players in the NWSL.

⛳ Seminoles Tee Off at the Jones Cup Invitational
FSU golf stars Gray Albright, Jack Bigham, and Tyler Weaver compete at Sea Island, facing 43 of the world’s top amateur golfers.

🎾 FSU Tennis Defends Home Turf
Ranked No. 9 nationally, the Seminoles kick off their home opener weekend with a tripleheader against Florida Gulf Coast, Alabama State, and Georgia Southern.

⚾ Jamie Arnold Headlines FSU Baseball’s Preseason Honors
The Seminoles’ ace earns Preseason Pitcher of the Year recognition while top freshmen Carns and Bailey add depth to a team ready for a thrilling 2025 season.

🏈 Key Recruiting Updates and Junior Day Preview
Catch the latest on high-profile visitors, including four-star OL Chastan Brown and a stacked Junior Day lineup featuring top 2026 prospects.

⚽ Taylor Huff Goes Pro with Bay FC ⚽

Florida State senior Taylor Huff has signed a professional contract with NWSL side Bay FC, marking the next chapter in her impressive soccer career. Huff, a key figure in FSU’s 2023 National Championship run, becomes the 10th player from that championship team to turn professional.

🌟 Key Highlights:

  • Decorated Career: Huff finished her collegiate career as a two-time All-ACC First Team selection, ACC Tournament MVP, and a 2024 Hermann Trophy semifinalist. She led the Seminoles with 12 goals and 10 assists in her final season.

  • Bay FC’s Praise: Head coach Albertin Montoya commended Huff’s leadership, competitive spirit, and ability to impact games on both sides of the ball, qualities that align with the club’s vision.

  • FSU Legacy: Huff joins Deyna Castellanos at Bay FC, one of six NWSL teams featuring multiple former Seminoles. FSU now has 14 players competing across seven NWSL clubs.

🛣️ What’s Next for Huff:
Huff will participate in the U.S. Women's National Team 2025 Futures Camp this month before Bay FC begins preseason action against Seattle Reign FC at the Coachella Valley Invitational on February 16.

⛳ Seminoles Set to Compete in Prestigious Jones Cup Invitational ⛳

Florida State men’s golf student-athletes Gray Albright, Jack Bigham, and Tyler Weaver are heading to Sea Island, Georgia, to compete in the 2024 Jones Cup Invitational from January 9-12. The invitation-only event features 84 of the world’s top amateur golfers, including 43 ranked in the top 100 globally.

🌟 Seminole Standouts:

  • Gray Albright: Ranked 18th in PGA Tour U and 62nd in WAGR. Achieved his best fall finish at the Hamptons Intercollegiate, tying for seventh with a 1-under-par 209.

  • Jack Bigham: Ranked 59th in WAGR. Delivered a top-10 finish at the Hamptons Intercollegiate, tying for ninth at even-par 216.

  • Tyler Weaver: Ranked 70th in WAGR. Played a pivotal role in FSU’s East Lake Cup victory, defeating opponents from Ohio State and Auburn during match play.

🕹️ Tee Times:

  • Tyler Weaver: 9:00 a.m. Friday

  • Gray Albright: 9:30 a.m. Friday

  • Jack Bigham: 9:50 a.m. Friday

The tournament takes place at the Sea Island Golf Club, with three rounds of action running through the weekend.

🎾 No. 9 Seminoles Gear Up for Home Opener Weekend 🎾

The No. 9 Florida State men’s tennis team returns to Tallahassee for its home opening matches of the season, taking on Florida Gulf Coast, Alabama State, and Georgia Southern. The Seminoles look to extend their impressive 38-year streak of winning home openers, dating back to 1988.

🕹️ Match Schedule:

  • Saturday, Jan. 11:

    • 9:00 a.m. vs. Florida Gulf Coast

    • 4:00 p.m. vs. Alabama State (Indoor Tennis Courts due to weather)

  • Sunday, Jan. 12:

    • 2:00 p.m. vs. Georgia Southern (Scott Speicher Memorial Tennis Center)

🌟 Season Highlights So Far:

  • Dominant Start: FSU opened the 2025 season with a 6-1 victory over Hawaii, winning all six singles matches in straight sets.

  • Ranked Performances: Jamie Connel earned a ranked win in his Court 1 debut, and Corey Craig impressed in his first career dual match appearance.

  • Team Accolades: The Seminoles enter with their highest-ever ITA Team Preseason Ranking at No. 9, fresh off their first ACC Championship title and second NCAA Third Round appearance in three seasons.

🎾 Player Spotlight:

  • Jamie Connel: Senior leader with a ranked victory to start the season.

  • Corey Craig: A rising star, securing a straight-set win on Court 2 in his debut.

  • Azariah Rusher: Shined in his Court 5 debut, helping set the tone for the team.

🏆 Coaching Team:

  • Head Coach: Dwayne Hultquist (Reigning ACC Coach of the Year)

  • Assistant Coaches: Sudanwa Sitaram (2024 ITA Southeast Assistant Coach of the Year) and Calum MacGeoch, newly added to the staff.

⚾ Jamie Arnold Leads FSU Baseball’s Preseason Honors ⚾

With just over a month until the 2025 college baseball season begins, Florida State ace Jamie Arnold headlines the preseason accolades. The junior southpaw, who shined as a first-team All-American last year, has been named the Preseason Pitcher of the Year by Perfect Game and is featured on their Preseason All-American First Team.

🌟 Jamie Arnold’s 2024 Highlights:

  • Dominant Stats:

    • 2.98 ERA

    • 159 strikeouts over 105.2 innings

    • Limited opponents to a .224 average

  • Historic Performance: Fifth-most single-season strikeouts in FSU history, the most since Paul Wilson’s 1994 record.

  • Notable Achievements:

    • Most Outstanding Player of the Tallahassee Regional

    • Participated in USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team training camp

    • Projected top-five pick in the 2025 MLB Draft

🎯 Freshmen to Watch:

  • Hunter Carns: Ranked as the No. 2 freshman nationally, this versatile catcher/outfielder impressed in the fall with four home runs in the final three scrimmages. Head coach Link Jarrett has called him the “most advanced” freshman hitter he’s ever worked with.

  • Myles Bailey: A local standout from Lincoln High School, Bailey boasts raw power that could make him a key contributor at first base. Ranked as the No. 27 freshman in the country.

🏈 FSU Hosts Trio of Key 2025 Recruits This Weekend 🏈

Florida State is set to host three official visitors this weekend, aiming to close out the 2025 recruiting cycle with a strong finish. The trio includes FIU offensive line commit Sandman Thompson, Georgia defensive back Antonio Cromartie Jr., and highly coveted four-star edge rusher Zahir Mathis.

🔑 Key Details on the Visitors:

Sandman Thompson (3⭐ Interior Lineman)

  • Current Commit: FIU (previously Oregon)

  • Why FSU Stands Out:
    New OL coach Herb Hand’s relationship with Thompson has propelled FSU into serious contention.

  • What’s Next:
    Thompson is eager to tour the campus and learn how FSU operates during his visit.

  • Recruitment Ranking: No. 83 interior lineman nationally, top-150 in Florida.

Antonio Cromartie Jr. (Legacy DB)

  • FSU Connection: Son of former Seminole and NFL Pro Bowler Antonio Cromartie.

  • Coaching Connections: Cromartie Jr. has been in contact with HC Mike Norvell and DB coach Patrick Surtain.

  • Skillset: Praised for his instincts and versatility in the secondary, he could fit anywhere in FSU’s defensive backfield.

Zahir Mathis (4⭐ Edge Rusher)

  • Rankings: No. 3 prospect in Pennsylvania, top-20 edge nationally.

  • Recruitment Update: Former Ohio State commit; FSU now battling Michigan and UCLA for the standout defensive end.

With this weekend's visits, Florida State has the opportunity to solidify relationships and make significant strides in closing out a strong 2025 recruiting class.

🏈 FSU Positioned to Land 4⭐ OT Chastan Brown 🏈

Florida State is emerging as the favorite to land 2025 four-star offensive tackle Chastan Brown from Warner Robins (Ga.) Northside. Ranked as the No. 21 offensive tackle and No. 226 overall prospect in the nation by 247Sports, Brown is a high-upside talent with ties to FSU's current coaching staff.

🔑 Key Insights:

  • FSU as the Favorite:
    Brown decommitted from UCF after Gus Malzahn’s departure and has since expressed interest in following Malzahn, now FSU’s offensive coordinator, to Tallahassee.

  • Visit Plans:
    Brown is expected to visit FSU either the weekend of January 18 or January 23, marking the Seminoles as the only program he plans to see before National Signing Day in February.

  • Recruitment Context:
    After backing off his UCF commitment, Brown received offers from schools like Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Missouri, and Duke but remains focused on FSU.

🛡️ Scouting Report:

  • Physical Tools:
    At 6'7", 240 pounds, Brown is an athletic left tackle prospect with elite wingspan and arm length. His body composition reflects his relatively recent transition to football, having played his first high school season in 2023.

  • Development Needs:
    Needs to bulk up and refine his ability to anchor against bigger defenders but shows excellent reactive quickness and hand usage, thanks to his AAU basketball background.

  • Ceiling:
    A “lottery ticket” left tackle prospect with significant upside, Brown could become a high-impact player with proper development in a collegiate strength program.

FSU’s Opportunity:
With Brown considering Florida State his top choice and planning no other visits, the Seminoles are in prime position to secure this high-potential offensive line recruit on National Signing Day.

🏈 FSU Gearing Up for Blockbuster Junior Day on Jan. 18 🏈

Florida State is preparing for a star-studded Junior Day on January 18, offering head coach Mike Norvell and his revamped coaching staff their first big opportunity to host a large group of 2026 recruits. With a mix of committed players, top targets, and potential game-changers on campus, the weekend promises to set the tone for the Seminoles’ future recruiting efforts.

🔑 Key Attendees and Storylines:

Quarterback Connection:

  • Brady Smigiel (4⭐ QB, Commit):
    The California standout will visit to solidify his commitment and connect with new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, learning more about the Seminoles’ offensive vision.

Offensive Firepower:

  • Amari Clemons (4⭐ RB, FSU’s No. 1 Target):
    Clemons has shown a strong affinity for FSU, making this visit a potential turning point for an early commitment.

  • Wide Receiver Trio:

    • Darryon Williams (4⭐ Commit): Battling competition from Miami and Florida, FSU will look to strengthen his bond with new WR coach Tim Harris Jr.

    • EJ White (4⭐ Commit): Another key piece in the receiving corps.

    • Somourian Wingo (4⭐ Target): A recent FSU offer, making this visit crucial for building momentum.

Building in the Trenches:

  • Zykie Helton (4⭐ OL):
    Competing with Alabama and Georgia, FSU will rely on OL coach Herb Hand to make a strong impression.

  • Malcolm Gaston (3⭐ OL):
    An emerging prospect, Gaston has piqued the staff's interest.

Defensive Line Dominance:

  • Elite Quartet of 4⭐ Targets:

    • Trenton Henderson: A lifelong FSU fan with strong ties to the program.

    • Jamarion Carlton: Recently offered by FSU, already showing a strong bond with DL coach Terrance Knighton.

    • James Johnson: A versatile DT prospect with growing relationships at FSU.

    • Zavion Griffin-Hayes: Has a prior connection with the staff, quickly scheduling a return visit.

Key Linebackers:

  • Karon Maycock:
    A versatile LB/S prospect from South Florida, Maycock is expected to receive a big push from the staff.

  • Rodney Colton (4⭐, South Carolina Commit):
    Recently offered by FSU, Colton quickly scheduled his trip, showcasing interest in Norvell’s program.

Defensive Backfield Priorities:

  • Samari Matthews (4⭐ CB):
    High praise for CB coach Patrick Surtain and eager to connect with DC Tony White.

  • Kaiden Hall (4⭐ S):
    Building a relationship with new safeties coach Evan Cooper, looking to turn the tide in his recruitment.

📅 What’s Next:
With an impressive lineup of recruits set to attend, Florida State’s Junior Day could prove pivotal in shaping the future of the 2026 class.

And that’s a wrap!

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