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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Saturday, Seminole!

Tennis and Men’s hoops are in action again and the portal is reaching a fever pitch. Lots of irons in the fire.

Here’s what we got for you today:

🎾 FSU Men’s Tennis kicks off its historic 78th season with a dominant streak in Hawaii.

🏀 FSU Men’s Basketball returns from a two-week hiatus, looking to secure their first ACC win against Syracuse.

🛡️ Defensive Reinforcements: Florida State lands key commitments from Coastal Carolina’s Deamontae Diggs and UNC’s Caleb LaVallee, while hosting Memphis linebacker Elijah Herring and standout edge rusher Chris Murray.

🌟 Portal Prospects: The Seminoles make a move for App State’s Kaedin Robinson to bolster the wide receiver corps.

🎾 FSU Men's Tennis Opens Historic Season in Hawaii 🎾

The Florida State men’s tennis team is set to kick off its 78th season on Sunday against Hawaii at the UH Tennis Complex. As the first collegiate tennis match on the calendar, the Seminoles aim to extend their dominance, boasting a perfect 5-0 record against the Rainbow Warriors and 23 consecutive season-opening victories dating back to 2002.

🌟 Key Highlights:

• Historic Momentum: Coming off their highest ITA ranking in program history (No. 10) and a first-ever ACC Championship, FSU returns six key players, including four senior starters.

• New Talent: The team added standout transfers Corey Craig (Boston University) and Erik Schiessl (Oklahoma State), along with top European freshmen Jan Sebesta (No. 10 newcomer) and Elias Sumann.

• Leadership Excellence: Head coach Dwayne Hultquist enters his 26th season, bringing over 600 career wins and fresh off an ACC Coach of the Year title.

👉 Read more here

🏀 FSU Men's Basketball Returns to Action Against Syracuse 🏀

Florida State men’s basketball (9-4, 0-2 ACC) is set to host Syracuse (6-7, 0-2 ACC) today, January 4th, at 6 p.m. in the Donald L. Tucker Center. After a two-week break, the Seminoles look to secure their first ACC win of the season against an Orange team that has had recent success in Tallahassee.

🌟 Game Day Details

• When: Saturday, January 4th, 6 p.m.

• Where: Donald L. Tucker Center, Tallahassee, Fla.

• Broadcast: ACC Network (stream available here).

• Audio: Legends Radio Network (details here).

🔑 Key Matchup Notes

• Series History: Syracuse leads the all-time series 10-7 but FSU won the most recent meeting. The Orange have claimed the last two games in Tallahassee.

• FSU Starters to Watch:

  • Jamir Watkins: Leads the Seminoles with 19.1 PPG and 4.8 RPG. Dominated Syracuse last year with 27 points and 11 rebounds.

  • Malique Ewin: Averaging 12.9 PPG and 7.7 RPG, making his debut against the Orange.

• Syracuse Starters to Watch:

  • Donnie Freeman: The freshman forward is averaging 13.2 PPG and 7.8 RPG in a breakout season.

  • Eddie Lampkin, Jr.: Brings physicality with 10.0 PPG and 7.6 RPG, including a strong performance against FSU earlier this year.

📈 What’s Next for FSU
Following Saturday’s game, the Seminoles will hit the road for a matchup against Miami on Wednesday, January 8th, marking the start of two consecutive road games.

👉 Read more here.

🛡️ FSU Lands Coastal Carolina DE Deamontae Diggs 🛡️

Florida State continues to strengthen its defensive line with the commitment of graduate transfer Deamontae Diggs from Coastal Carolina. The 6’5”, 260-pound defensive end brings experience, versatility, and the potential to make an immediate impact in FSU’s defensive front.

🌟 Diggs’ Profile

• 2024 Stats: 34 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and 18 quarterback pressures.

• Strengths:

  • Strong against the run, earning a PFF Run Defense Grade of 66.4.

  • Exceptional in key moments, logging 8 QB pressures in the season finale against Georgia State.

  • Versatility to thrive in FSU’s 3-man front.

💼 Path to Tallahassee

• Began his collegiate career at Youngstown State, where he accumulated 6.0 sacks from 2022-23.

• Transferred to Coastal Carolina in 2024, where he excelled despite playing part of the season with a hand injury.

• Now joins Florida State with one year of eligibility remaining and a chance to secure a starting role.

🔑 FSU’s Defensive Line Additions

• Diggs becomes the third defensive end transfer for the Seminoles this offseason:

  • James Williams (Nebraska): 92 transfer grade.

  • Deante McCray (Western Kentucky): 87 transfer grade.

👉 Read more here.

🏈 FSU Secures Commitment from LB Caleb LaVallee 🏈

Florida State has landed a significant addition to its linebacker corps with the commitment of Caleb LaVallee, a transfer from North Carolina. The Georgia native brings athleticism, versatility, and a glimpse of untapped potential to the Seminoles’ defense.

🌟 LaVallee’s Profile

• 2024 Stats: 14 tackles, 1.0 TFL across 114 snaps.

• Breakout Moment: Posted nine tackles and a 78.5 PFF grade in his first career start during the Fenway Bowl against UConn.

• High School Background:

  • Former three-star recruit out of Whitefield Academy in Mableton, Ga.

  • Played as a two-way standout, showcasing impressive athleticism.

📈 FSU’s Vision for LaVallee

• Physical Build: 6’1”, 225 pounds, with room to develop further.

• Role in Defense: Expected to be a key two-deep rotational player in Tony White’s 3-3-5 scheme.

• Developmental Upside:

  • While his PFF season grade (58.9) reflects areas for improvement, his bowl game performance highlights his potential to excel with consistent reps.

🔑 FSU’s Linebacker Depth
LaVallee joins a talented linebacker room that includes:

• Returning starters Omar Graham and Blake Nichelson.

• Prominent contributor Justin Cryer.

• Nebraska transfer Stefon Thompson.

🎯 Recruitment Impact
LaVallee’s recruitment was swiftly closed by FSU during his multi-day visit. His younger brother, Noah LaVallee, a priority 2026 linebacker target, also attended the visit, potentially strengthening FSU’s ties to the talented family.

👉 Read more here.

🌟 FSU Targets App State Wide Receiver Kaedin Robinson in Transfer Portal 🌟

Florida State has set its sights on bolstering its wide receiver room with an offer to Kaedin Robinson, an App State standout who entered the Transfer Portal on Friday. With one year of eligibility left, Robinson brings proven production and a unique connection to FSU’s coaching staff.

📊 Kaedin Robinson’s Collegiate Stats

• 2024 Season (App State):

  • 53 receptions for 840 yards and 2 touchdowns.

• 2023 Season (App State):

  • Breakout year: 67 catches, 905 yards, and 10 touchdowns.

• 2022 Season (App State):

  • 27 receptions for 419 yards and 2 touchdowns.

🔗 Ties to FSU Staff
Robinson originally signed with UCF under then-head coach Gus Malzahn, now FSU’s offensive coordinator. He also worked with current FSU wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr., who was UCF’s running backs coach during Robinson’s time there.

🛠️ Skill Set and Fit

• Physical Build: 6’2”, 205 pounds, with the size and strength to excel as an outside receiver.

• Playmaking Ability:

  • Deep-threat potential with consistent production across multiple seasons.

  • Career total of 147 receptions, 2,164 yards, and 14 touchdowns at the FBS level.

📌 Recruitment and Competition
Since entering the portal, Robinson has attracted significant attention, reporting offers from:

• Michigan

• UCLA

• UCF

• Wake Forest

• California

A visit schedule is expected to take shape soon, with Florida State working to secure time with the talented wideout.

👉 Read more here.

🛡️ FSU Hosts Memphis Linebacker Elijah Herring on Transfer Portal Visit 🛡️

Florida State welcomed Memphis linebacker Elijah Herring for a two-day visit beginning Friday, marking the first stop in his trio of scheduled visits to ACC programs. Herring, a versatile defender with a proven track record, is poised to make an immediate impact wherever he lands.

📊 Elijah Herring’s 2024 Season Highlights (Memphis)

• Tackles: 60 total

• Tackles for Loss: 7.5

• Sacks: 3.5

• Turnovers:

  • 2 forced fumbles

  • 1 fumble recovery

  • 2 interceptions

• Pass Coverage: 4 pass breakups

🔗 Career Journey

• 2022 (Tennessee):

  • Reserve linebacker and special teams contributor with 11 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and 2.0 sacks as a freshman.

• 2023 (Tennessee):

  • Earned a starting role at middle linebacker, leading the team with 76 tackles before transferring.

• 2024 (Memphis):

  • Continued his ascent as a starting linebacker, showcasing his all-around defensive abilities.

📌 Recruitment and Upcoming Visits
After his visit to Florida State, Herring is scheduled to visit:

• California (Sunday-Monday)

• Syracuse (Tuesday)

🛠️ Fit at Florida State
Standing at 6’2” and 228 pounds, Herring brings size, speed, and versatility to the linebacker position. His ability to stop the run, rush the passer, and drop into coverage aligns well with FSU’s defensive schemes under coordinator Tony White.

👉 Read more here

🛡️ Chris Murray Wraps Up FSU Visit, Praises Coaching Staff and Defensive Fit 🛡️

Florida State hosted former Sam Houston State pass-rusher Chris Murray for a two-day visit as the Seminoles continue to bolster their defensive end position through the transfer portal. Murray, who had a breakout 2024 season, left Tallahassee impressed by FSU’s energy, tradition, and coaching staff.

🌟 Chris Murray’s 2024 Highlights

• Tackles: 34

• Tackles for Loss (TFL): 12

• Sacks: 5.5

• Physical Profile: 6-foot-4, 255 pounds

🗣️ Murray’s Takeaways from the Visit
Murray described his time at Florida State as a “great visit” and highlighted several aspects that stood out:

• Coaching Energy:

  • Murray praised head coach Mike Norvell’s intensity, calling his energy “off the chart.”

  • Defensive line coach Terrance Knighton also made a strong impression, combining an approachable demeanor with a sharp focus on-field.

  • “When I walked in, everybody was clapping. You felt the love,” Murray shared.

• FSU’s Defensive Fit:

  • Knighton discussed using Murray in multiple roles within Tony White’s defense, a setup Murray said reminded him of his time at Sam Houston.

• Tradition and History:

  • Murray gained a deeper appreciation for FSU’s storied history, joking about learning that Heisman winner Charlie Ward had a successful NBA career.

📅 What’s Next for Murray?
Murray is set to visit Auburn and Virginia before making a decision in the coming days. Despite interest from other programs, including N.C. State, the defensive end spoke highly of his FSU experience:

• “I feel great about FSU. Great. I love everything about it.”

🎯 Why Murray Matters for FSU
Adding Murray would provide immediate depth and a proven playmaker to the defensive line. His aggressive style and versatility align well with FSU’s defensive schemes, making him a high-priority target in the portal.

👉 Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

As the transfer portal heats up and FSU’s programs gear up for an exciting season ahead, the Seminole spirit is stronger than ever. Whether it’s the court, the field, or the recruiting trail, Florida State is proving it’s ready to rise to every challenge.

Stay tuned, stay proud, and as always, Go ‘Noles!