🏹 January 13th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Recruiting Updates, Portal Analysis, and Tennis Beatdowns

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The Chief
January 13, 2025

Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

Zahir Mathis is the highest-ranked unsigned defensive player for the 2025 class. Can the 'Noles reel in another late addition to the class?

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Here’s what we’re covering in today’s edition:

🎙️ Zahir Mathis Wraps Up Official Visit to FSU 🎙️
A top-ranked edge rusher in the 2025 class, Zahir Mathis, visited FSU over the weekend, sharing insights into the Seminoles' defensive scheme and his bond with the coaching staff. With UCLA and Michigan visits on the horizon, can FSU secure his commitment before February 1?

💪 FSU Makes a Strong Impression on ‘Sandman’ Thompson 💪
Three-star 2025 center Chavez ‘Sandman’ Thompson left his official visit feeling like a top priority for FSU. With over 30 pancake blocks this season, Thompson is nearing a decision between FSU and FIU.

🔒️ Legacy Recruit Antonio Cromartie Jr. Wraps Up FSU Visit 🔒️
Antonio Cromartie Jr., son of an FSU legend, visited Tallahassee over the weekend and is set to announce his commitment today. Will the family legacy continue in Garnet and Gold?

🎾 Seminoles Sweep Georgia Southern, Extend Indoor Dominance 🎾
The No. 9 men’s tennis team secured their 10th consecutive indoor win, showcasing resilience and depth. The Seminoles remain undefeated in singles play and look to extend their streak later this week.

📊 By the Numbers: A Statistical Look at FSU’s Offensive Line Portal Additions 📊
FSU’s transfer portal strategy added four experienced offensive linemen to bolster the trenches. Dive into the Pro Football Focus grades and key metrics behind these impactful additions.

🏹 FSU in the Hunt for Four-Star DB Jordan Smith 🏹
Florida State is battling SEC heavyweights for elite defensive back Jordan Smith. With a summer decision likely, can FSU’s strong relationship with the four-star prospect tip the scales in their favor?

🎙️ Zahir Mathis Wraps Up Official Visit to FSU 🎙️ 

Four-star edge rusher Zahir Mathis, one of the nation’s top defensive prospects in the 2025 class, visited Florida State over the weekend for his first-ever trip to Tallahassee. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound defensive end from Philadelphia’s Imhotep Institute is ranked as the No. 73 overall player and the No. 6 edge rusher by the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

🌟 Visit Highlights:
Mathis was impressed with FSU’s four-man pressure scheme and the program’s vision for his potential role.
"It was amazing. I was just looking at the four-man pressure scheme. It's amazing what they've got built up in the system. I see it might be a good environment for myself," Mathis said.

🌟 Key Takeaways from the Visit:

  • Connection with Terrance Knighton: Mathis built on his pre-existing relationship with FSU defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, who previously recruited him while at Nebraska.
    "It was just good to see him. We built a little stronger bond."

  • Coach Norvell’s Impact: Mathis noted his comfort level with head coach Mike Norvell, who spent quality time outlining FSU’s vision for his development.
    "We were just talking about the game, the scheme... It was good to have that bond with coach Norvell."

🌟 Recruitment Outlook:
Mathis is narrowing his focus to FSU, UCLA, and Michigan after decommitting from Ohio State in November 2024. He is scheduled to visit UCLA on January 18 and Michigan on January 27, with a final decision expected around February 1.

💪 FSU Makes a Strong Impression on ‘Sandman’ Thompson 💪 

Florida State hosted Cocoa High standout Chavez ‘Sandman’ Thompson for an official visit over the weekend, solidifying their position as a top contender for the three-star center prospect. Thompson, who has longstanding ties to FSU’s new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and offensive line coach Herb Hand, came away impressed by the Seminoles’ genuine staff and clear priorities.

🌟 Visit Highlights:

  • Key Relationships:
    Thompson praised Coach Hand’s ability to develop dominant centers and Malzahn’s offensive philosophy.
    “Coach Hand is an incredible, awesome person who I look up to… Coach Gus is an offensive threat to opposing teams, and I love that,” Thompson said.

  • Feeling Wanted:
    The Seminoles made their intentions clear, emphasizing Thompson’s importance to their 2025 recruiting class.
    “I felt like a top priority, top person, and I’m wanted,” Thompson shared.

🌟 Recruitment Outlook:
Thompson, who recorded over 30 pancake blocks this season, has narrowed his decision to FSU and FIU. With a final decision expected in the coming days, the Seminoles are in a strong position to land this natural center.

🌟 Coach Norvell’s Impact:
Although under the weather, head coach Mike Norvell made an impression during limited interactions.
“He’s a super energetic guy with a lot of passion and excitement, and I love that,” Thompson noted.

🌟 Next Steps:
Thompson plans to announce his commitment soon and will enroll this summer after completing his senior wrestling season.

🔒️ Legacy Recruit Antonio Cromartie Jr. Wraps Up FSU Visit 🔒️ 

Carrollton (Ga.) defensive back Antonio Cromartie Jr., son of former FSU and NFL star Antonio Cromartie, completed his official visit to Florida State over the weekend. The visit capped a whirlwind recruitment that began with a Christmas Day offer from the Seminoles and will conclude with a college decision announcement on Monday.

🌟 Visit Highlights:

  • Family Legacy:
    Cromartie Jr. acknowledged the family ties but emphasized his excitement about continuing the FSU legacy while forging his own path.
    “I’m blessed to have the opportunity to continue the legacy here and make an impact on the field,” Cromartie Jr. said.

  • Versatile Fit:
    The Seminoles see him as a multi-position defensive back capable of contributing anywhere in the secondary.
    “They said I can play anywhere in the secondary and make an impact,” he noted.

  • Relationship Building:
    Cromartie Jr. spent time with head coach Mike Norvell and defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr., both of whom left strong impressions.
    “Coach Norvell is probably the most energetic coach I’ve ever met. I know he’ll push me, and I want to be held accountable,” he said.

🌟 Recruitment Outlook:

  • Why FSU Stands Out:
    While family ties are significant, Cromartie Jr. pointed to Norvell’s vision and passion for building a special program as key factors in his interest.
    “Coach Norvell really cares about this program, and that’s special to me,” Cromartie Jr. shared.

  • Peer Connection:
    Former high school teammate and current FSU freshman DB Shamar Arnoux provided insight into the program, emphasizing the work ethic required to succeed at Florida State.

🌟 What’s Next:
Cromartie Jr. will announce his college decision on Monday, with FSU as the clear favorite.

🎾 Seminoles Sweep Georgia Southern, Extend Indoor Dominance 🎾

The No. 9 Florida State men’s tennis team concluded a stellar weekend with a 4-0 sweep of Georgia Southern, marking their 10th consecutive indoor victory since January 2024. The Seminoles’ resilience was on full display after a last-minute lineup adjustment due to an injury during warm-ups.

🌟 Match Highlights:

  • Dynamic Doubles:

    • Alex Bulte and Youcef Rihane: Delivered a top-75 ranked win with a commanding 6-1 performance.

    • Jamie Connel and Corey Craig: Adapted seamlessly to their new pairing on Court 2, clinching the doubles point with a 6-2 win.

  • Singles Standouts:

    • Joshua Dous-Karpenschif: Blanked his opponent 6-0 in the first set and secured the second team point with a 6-1 finish. Dous-Karpenschif has now won 36 of 42 games across three courts this season.

    • Azariah Rusher: Dominated on Court 6, winning 12 of 13 games, including a second-set shutout.

    • Jamie Connel: Clinched the match with a 6-3, 6-0 win, maintaining his perfect 7-0 singles set record for 2025.

🛡️ Unbeatable Streak:
FSU remains undefeated in singles play through their first four matches, a testament to the team’s depth and consistency.

🏟️ What’s Next:
Florida State continues its nine-match homestand with Georgia State on Thursday at 5:30 PM at the Scott Speicher Memorial Tennis Center. Live coverage will be available on Seminoles.com.

📊 By the Numbers: A Statistical Look at FSU’s Offensive Line Portal Additions 📊

Florida State’s transfer portal haul this offseason has significantly bolstered the offensive line, adding four experienced Power Five players who bring a wealth of snaps and production. Here’s a breakdown of their key metrics and potential impact:

🌟 Transfer Highlights by the Numbers:

  • Luke Petitbon (Wake Forest):

    • Snaps Played: 1,671 career snaps, 89.7% played at center over the past two seasons.

    • Pass-Blocking Prowess: 89.8 grade in 2024 (2nd nationally among centers), with only five pressures allowed on 466 snaps.

    • Clean Play: No penalties on run plays over the past two seasons.

  • Micah Pettus (Ole Miss):

    • Snap Count: 2,154 career snaps, over 600 in each of the last three seasons.

    • Run Blocking: 72.7 grade in 2024, ranking 56th nationally among offensive tackles.

    • Improved Discipline: Reduced penalties from 10 in 2023 to 7 in 2024.

  • Adrian Medley (UCF):

    • Experience Gained: 1,378 career snaps, 96.8% of UCF’s offensive snaps at left guard in 2024.

    • Pass-Blocking Efficiency: Allowed just 12 pressures last season, tied for 84th nationally among guards.

    • Dependability: Only three penalties committed in 2024.

  • Gunnar Hansen (Vanderbilt):

    • Versatility in Action: 2,122 career snaps with over 300 snaps at both left and right tackle in 2024.

    • Pass-Blocking Grade: Career-best 68.0 in 2022, with a slight decline to 56.1 overall in 2024.

    • SEC-Tested: Played 97.4% of snaps in 2023 and 2024 combined, holding his own against elite defenses.

💬 Analysis:
FSU’s approach this offseason prioritized transfers with proven production. These linemen bring a blend of experience, skill, and reliability that should stabilize the offensive front after a challenging 2024 season.

🏹 FSU in the Hunt for Four-Star DB Jordan Smith 🏹 

Jordan Smith, a highly sought-after four-star defensive back from Warner Robins (Ga.), is catching the attention of top programs nationwide. Standing 6’1.5” and weighing 185 pounds, Smith has racked up 30 scholarship offers, including interest from Tennessee, Georgia, Florida State, Florida, and Alabama.

🌟 Recruitment Highlights:

  • FSU Connection:
    Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. has been instrumental in FSU’s pursuit of Smith.

    • Smith on Surtain: "He’s honest and knowledgeable, given his NFL and college experience. He’s answered all my questions and earned my respect.”

  • Key Visits:
    Smith appreciated the in-person visits from FSU, Georgia, and Tennessee, emphasizing the value of facetime with coaches over texts or calls.

  • Tentative Official Visit:
    Smith is planning an official visit to Florida State in June, alongside potential visits to Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama.

🛡️ On the Field:
In his junior season, Smith posted impressive stats:

  • 85 total tackles

  • 3 tackles for loss (TFLs)

  • 2 interceptions

  • 7 passes defended

  • 1 kickoff return for a touchdown

📅 Decision Timeline:
Smith is targeting a summer decision, giving FSU time to solidify its position as a top contender.

And that’s a wrap!

Thanks for spending part of your day with The Chief Brief! From making moves in the transfer portal to dominating on the court and field, the Seminoles are setting the stage for a standout year.

🎯 Catch tomorrow’s edition as we dive deeper into FSU’s recruiting victories, athletic triumphs, and everything in between.

Until then—keep cheering loud, and as always, Go Noles! 🏹

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