๐Ÿน July 16th - The Chief Brief ๐Ÿน

MLB Draft Success, Academic Excellence, and Exciting Prospects

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

๐Ÿ† More Seminoles Selected in 2024 MLB Draft ๐Ÿ†

FSU continued to dominate the MLB Draft with four more players selected on Monday. Marco Dinges, Jaime Ferrer, Carson Dorsey, and Gavin Adams join James Tibbs III and Cam Smith, making it a record-breaking draft for FSU with six players selected so far, the most in the ACC.

๐ŸŽ“ Record-Tying Academic Honors for FSU Menโ€™s Basketball Team ๐ŸŽ“

FSU men's basketball team tied a school record with five players named to the 2024 NABC Honors Court. The team also earned an Academic Excellence Award, showcasing their success both on and off the court.

๐Ÿˆ Florida State Stars Set for ACC Kickoff Event ๐Ÿˆ

FSU will be well-represented at the ACC Kickoff event with standout players Joshua Farmer, Patrick Payton, and Darius Washington, alongside head coach Mike Norvell. The event is set for July 22, with FSU opening their season on August 24 in Dublin, Ireland.

๐Ÿšจ Top 2025 Offensive Line Recruits: FSU's Solomon Thomas Shines ๐Ÿšจ

The latest Top247 update for the 2025 recruiting class highlights FSU's five-star commit Solomon Thomas among the top offensive line prospects. As other elite recruits make their decisions, FSU remains a strong contender.

๐Ÿˆ๐Ÿ€ Kendre Harrison: Dual-Sport Star Trims College List ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿˆ

Reidsville (N.C.) tight end Kendre Harrison, ranked No. 6 in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking, plans to play both football and basketball in college. He has narrowed his choices to six schools, including Florida State.

๐Ÿˆ FSU's Running Back Room: Current Stars and Future Targets ๐Ÿˆ

FSU's running back room boasts a mix of seasoned talent and promising newcomers. With stars like Roydell Williams, Lawrance Toafili, and promising freshmen Kam Davis and Micahi Danzy, the future looks bright. FSU also targets top 2025 prospects Byron Louis and Ousmane Kromah.

๐ŸŽฎ FSU Stars Shine in College Football 25 Video Game Release ๐ŸŽฎ

After an 11-year wait, FSU fans can play as their favorite Seminoles in EA Sports' College Football 25. The game includes real-life players from FSUโ€™s current roster, with standout ratings for the offensive and defensive lines.

๐Ÿ† More Seminoles Selected in 2024 MLB Draft ๐Ÿ†

Florida State continued to make waves in the 2024 MLB Draft on Monday, with four more players being selected. Marco Dinges was picked in the fourth round at No. 123 by the Milwaukee Brewers, followed by Jaime Ferrer at No. 126 by the Minnesota Twins.

Carson Dorsey was selected in the seventh round (No. 219) by the Baltimore Orioles, and Gavin Adams was taken in the eighth round (No. 234) by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

FSU Sets School Records

With these selections, FSU has set school records for the most players taken through four, seven, and eight rounds in the draft. The six Seminoles drafted so far are also the most among ACC schools.

Player Highlights:

  • Marco Dinges: Selected as a catcher by the Brewers, Dinges earned second-team All-Region and third-team All-ACC honors in his first season at FSU. He hit .323 with 12 doubles, 15 home runs, and 69 RBI.

  • Jaime Ferrer: A consistent starter for FSU, Ferrer hit .320 over his three seasons with 38 home runs and was named to the All-CWS team in 2024.

  • Carson Dorsey: The pitcher from Panama City Beach, FL, had an 8-4 record with a 4.60 ERA. He was particularly impressive in the postseason, going 3-0 with a 2.14 ERA.

  • Gavin Adams: Despite being injured in 2024, Adams was drafted by the Pirates. He had previously been selected in the 11th round of the 2023 draft before opting to attend FSU.

Seminole Draft Legacy

Dinges is the first FSU player selected by the Brewers since 2009. Ferrer joins the Twins, where former Seminole Cole Sands currently plays. Dorsey is the latest Seminole to join the Orioles, and Adams becomes the fifth FSU pitcher selected by the Pirates.

The 2024 MLB Draft concludes Tuesday with rounds 11-20 starting at 2:00 p.m. ET.

๐ŸŽ“ Record-Tying Academic Honors for FSU Menโ€™s Basketball Team ๐ŸŽ“

Florida State men's basketball team has tied a school record with five players named to the 2024 NABC Honors Court: Jaylan Gainey, Jesse Jones, Isaac Spainhour, Max Thorpe, and Jamir Watkins. Additionally, the team earned an Academic Excellence Award for the 2024 season, showcasing their success both on and off the court.

2024 Academic Achievements:

  • NABC Honors Court: Gainey, Jones, Spainhour, Thorpe, and Watkins were recognized for their academic excellence.

  • ACC Academic Honor Roll: A school record-tying 10 players were named to the Honor Roll.

  • ACC All-Academic Team: Two players earned spots on the All-Academic Men's Basketball Team.

  • APR Score: The team achieved a 995 APR, the highest multi-year APR in school history.

Individual Highlights:

  • Jaylan Gainey: Earned two master's degrees in two years, ACC Academic Honor Roll (2023, 2024), All-ACC Academic Men's Basketball Team (2024), Golden Torch Award for Academic Excellence (2023).

  • Max Thorpe: MBA candidate (August 2024), ACC Academic Honor Roll (2021-2024), NABC Honors Court (2023, 2024).

  • Isaac Spainhour: ACC Academic Honor Roll (2021-2024), Academic Dean's List (2021, 2022, 2024), NABC Honors Court (2023, 2024).

  • Jamir Watkins: All-ACC Academic Men's Basketball Team (2024), ACC Academic Honor Roll (2024), FSU Academic Dean's List (Spring 2024).

๐Ÿˆ Florida State Stars Set for ACC Kickoff Event ๐Ÿˆ

Florida State will be well-represented at the ACC Kickoff event next week with standout players Joshua Farmer, Patrick Payton, and Darius Washington, alongside head coach Mike Norvell.

Joshua Farmer: Defensive Tackle

  • 2023 Stats: 32 tackles, 7.0 TFL, 5.0 sacks

  • Accolades: Second-team All-ACC, All-ACC Academic Team, ACC Honor Roll

  • Notable Performance: Career-high five tackles and 1.5 TFL in win at Clemson

Patrick Payton: Defensive End

  • 2023 Stats: 44 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 7.0 sacks, 10 pass breakups

  • Accolades: Honorable mention All-ACC, 2022 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year

  • Notable Performance: Career-best 2.0 sacks in wins over Florida and Wake Forest

Darius Washington: Offensive Lineman

  • 2023 Stats: Appeared in 13 games, 10 starts

  • Accolades: First-team All-ACC, multiple All-America honors

  • Notable Performance: Key blocker in win over Virginia Tech, aiding RB Trey Bensonโ€™s 200-yard game

ACC Kickoff Event

  • Date: Monday, July 22

  • Participants: Joshua Farmer, Patrick Payton, Darius Washington, Mike Norvell

  • Notable: FSU returns nine all-conference players and the ACC Championship Game MVP

  • Upcoming Season Opener: August 24 vs. Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland (ESPN, Noon ET)

๐Ÿšจ Top 2025 Offensive Line Recruits: FSU's Solomon Thomas Shines ๐Ÿšจ

The recent update for the Top247 recruiting class of 2025 showcases the depth and talent of offensive linemen, with 40 players featured. Among them, Florida State's own Solomon Thomas stands out as a five-star interior offensive lineman committed to the Seminoles.

Top 10 Offensive Line Prospects:

10. Ryan Fodje (OT) โ€” Committed to Oklahoma

  • Ranking: 4-star, No. 89 overall

  • Details: Committed to Oklahoma, solidified top-10 status after junior year

9. Dramodd Odoms (OT) โ€” Committed to SMU

  • Ranking: 4-star, No. 57 overall

  • Details: Committed to SMU, kept top offensive tackle in Texas close to home

8. Seuseu Alofaituli (IOL) โ€” Committed to Miami

  • Ranking: 4-star, No. 56 overall

  • Details: Chose Miami over Michigan and Nebraska, known for technical skills

7. Carter Lowe (OT) โ€” Committed to Ohio State

  • Ranking: 4-star, No. 33 overall

  • Details: Committed to Ohio State, versatile athlete with high ceiling

6. Michael Fasusi (OT) โ€” Uncommitted

  • Ranking: 5-star, No. 27 overall

  • Details: Finalists include Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Texas A&M

5. Solomon Thomas (IOL) โ€” Committed to Florida State

  • Ranking: 5-star, No. 24 overall

  • Details: Multi-sport athlete, state champion in discus, committed to FSU

4. Ty Haywood (OT) โ€” Committed to Alabama

  • Ranking: 5-star, No. 18 overall

  • Details: Committed to Alabama, projects as a high-major multi-year starter

3. Andrew Babalola (OT) โ€” Uncommitted

  • Ranking: 5-star, No. 15 overall

  • Details: Finalists include Auburn, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Stanford

2. Josh Petty (OT) โ€” Uncommitted

  • Ranking: 5-star, No. 14 overall

  • Details: Considering FSU (his sister attends FSU), Auburn, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Oregon, Stanford, and Tennessee

1. David Sanders Jr. (OT) โ€” Uncommitted

  • Ranking: 5-star, No. 3 overall

  • Details: Finalists include Georgia, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Tennessee

Commitment Watch:

While top talents like David Sanders Jr. are yet to commit, programs like Florida State, Alabama, Miami, and Oklahoma have already secured top offensive line recruits. Keep an eye on upcoming commitments as these elite prospects finalize their decisions.

๐Ÿˆ๐Ÿ€ Kendre Harrison: Dual-Sport Star Trims College List ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿˆ

Reidsville (N.C.) tight end Kendre Harrison, ranked No. 6 in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking, plans to play both football and basketball in college. He has narrowed his choices to six schools: Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, Oregon, Penn State, and Tennessee.

Top Schools:

Florida State: โ€œGreat visit. Coaches treated me like family. Coach Norvell is doing big things.โ€

Miami: โ€œLoved it after my visit. Connected well with Coach Woodiel.โ€

North Carolina: โ€œChance to stay home and play both sports. Real relationships with coaches.โ€

Oregon: โ€œTalk with coaches daily. Great opportunity and player development.โ€

Penn State: โ€œTop school with tight end history. Best college football atmosphere at the white-out game.โ€

Tennessee: โ€œLove Knoxville. Great relationship with Coach Abeln. Versatile offensive fit.โ€

Decision Timeline:

Harrison plans to commit in 2025 after visiting schools and building relationships, including an upcoming trip to Oregon.

Harrison's dual-sport journey promises excitement as he evaluates top programs that support both his football and basketball careers.

๐Ÿˆ FSU's Running Back Room: Current Stars and Future Targets ๐Ÿˆ

Current Running Back Standouts:

Florida State's running back room is a blend of seasoned talent and promising newcomers, all of whom bring unique skills to the table.

Roydell Williams: The Alabama transfer impressed during spring practices and is praised for his grounded and supportive attitude. While he may not be a feature back, Williams is reliable and trusted to close out games in the fourth quarter.

Lawrance Toafili: Toafili is generating excitement across the program with his versatility and improved physical tools. FSU plans to utilize him extensively, leveraging his ability to create favorable matchups.

Micahi Danzy: The true freshman, known for his dynamic speed, has been catching attention. There's optimism about his potential to find a role this year.

Jaylin Lucas: Lucas, an ATH/RB, has impressed with his speed and agility. Coach Mike Norvell is thrilled with his spring performance.

Caziah Holmes: Holmes excels in pass protection and catching the ball, making him an ideal third-down back.

Kam Davis: Another freshman to watch, Davis is expected to make significant contributions by the time his college career ends.

Future Running Back Targets:

FSU continues to target top talent for future recruiting classes, focusing on landing key prospects to maintain a high-efficiency rushing attack.

Byron Louis: The Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage four-star running back is a top target for FSU. Louis had an impressive junior season with 1,224 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. After multiple visits, FSU is in a strong position but will need to fend off Miami for his commitment. A decision is expected around September 17.

Ousmane Kromah: The Lee County (Ga.) four-star running back has been pursued by FSU since his freshman year. With 1,783 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in his junior season, Kromah is a highly coveted recruit. FSU is competing with Georgia and Auburn, with a decision likely before his senior season.

FSU's current running back room is poised for success, and the future looks bright with top prospects like Louis and Kromah potentially joining the ranks.

Check out the full details here and here

๐ŸŽฎ FSU Stars Shine in College Football 25 Video Game Release ๐ŸŽฎ

After an 11-year hiatus, Florida State fans can finally experience the thrill of playing as their favorite Seminoles in EA Sports' College Football 25. This latest release includes real-life active players from FSUโ€™s current roster, offering a more authentic gaming experience than ever before.

Hereโ€™s a breakdown of some of the key player ratings and insights from the game.

Quarterback Ratings:

  • DJ Uiagalelei: 86

  • Brock Glenn: 76

  • Luke Kromenhoek: 76

Running Back Ratings:

  • Roydell Williams: 85

  • Jaylin Lucas: 84

  • Lawrance Toafili: 84

Wide Receiver Ratings:

  • Malik Benson: 85

  • Jalen Brown: 76

  • Jaโ€™Khi Douglas: 76

Offensive Line Strength: FSU boasts a formidable offensive line with six players rated 80 or higher. Key standouts include:

  • Darius Washington: 86

  • Maurice Smith: 88

This depth reflects the tremendous work of Alex Atkins, who has transformed FSUโ€™s offensive line from one of the weakest in the power conferences to a robust unit.

Defensive Line Depth: The defensive line is equally impressive, featuring seven players with ratings over 80. Highlights include:

  • Patrick Payton: 90

  • Darrell Jackson Jr.: 88

  • Joshua Farmer: 85

Even with high ratings, some believe players like Daniel Lyons, rated 75, could see significant boosts as they prove themselves on the field.

Underrated Talent: FSU's young cornerbacks, Quindarrius Jones (72) and Ja'Bril Rawls (70), are poised for breakout seasons. Both have received strong praise from coaches and could see their ratings soar with standout performances this year.

Takeaways:

  • OL Transformation: FSU's offensive line, now filled with talent, showcases the success of Alex Atkins' coaching.

  • DL Depth: The defensive line's high ratings reflect a strong, deep unit, with potential for further improvement.

  • Young CB Potential: Watch for Jones and Rawls to significantly raise their ratings as they gain more field experience.

As FSU gears up for the upcoming season, fans can get a sneak peek at their favorite playersโ€™ potential and enjoy guiding the Seminoles to victory in College Football 25.

Check out the full details here and here

And thatโ€™s a wrap!

With record-breaking MLB draft picks, academic accolades for our basketball team, and a bright future for FSUโ€™s football program, itโ€™s an exciting time to be a Seminole.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights.

Go Noles!

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