Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Monday, Seminole! Football (pre)season is here 😄…

Here’s today’s Brief:

📊 Analyzing FSU Softball's 2025 Roster: See a breakdown of the new roster, highlighting returning stars and key additions across catcher, infield, outfield, and pitching positions. With solid depth and new talent, FSU is set for a strong 2025 season.

🔍 Defensive Depth Chart Preview for 2024: Take a look at FSU's defensive lineup for the upcoming season. Key players like Patrick Payton and DJ Lundy are poised to lead, while new talents such as Cam Riley and Blake Nichelson could make significant impacts.

📝 FSU's Current Linebacker Room and Recruiting Outlook: As FSU prepares for 2024, the linebacker position is under the spotlight. From experienced players like DJ Lundy returning and promising recruits like Ethan Pritchard joining, we take stock of the linebacker room of present and future.

🌟 Key Storylines from the ACC Kickoff Event: The ACC Kickoff event signals the unofficial start of football season. Dive into the major storylines expected from what should be an interesting event.

💪 FSU's Offensive Line: The Driving Force in 2024: FSU's offensive line, with returning starters and impactful transfers, is set to be a cornerstone of the offense. Intense competition and depth at all positions promise a dominant position group in the upcoming season.

📊 Analyzing FSU Softball's 2025 Roster 📊

Noles247 recently took a deep dive into Florida State's 2025 softball roster. Here's a look at how the team is shaping up across various positions:

Catcher

Returning: Michaela Edenfield, Katie Dack, Madi Frey
Departed: None
Added: Isabella Ruggiero

Notes: Michaela Edenfield has been a consistent starter for FSU, with Katie Dack and Madi Frey providing solid backup. New addition Isabella Ruggiero brings impressive high school stats, including leading Florida in home runs.

Infield

Returning: Amaya Ross, Angelee Bueno, Isa Torres, Annie Potter, Krystina Hartley, Jaysoni Beachum
Departed: Devyn Flaherty
Added: Addie DeLong, Shelby McKenzie, Annabelle Widra

Notes: FSU returns key players at first, shortstop, and third base. The departure of Devyn Flaherty leaves a gap at second base, but newcomers like Addie DeLong and Shelby McKenzie bring strong credentials. Annabelle Widra adds depth with her versatility and experience.

Outfield

Returning: Jahni Kerr, Hallie Wacaser, Kennedy Harp, Ashtyn Danley
Departed: Kaley Mudge, Kalei Harding, Autumn Belviy
Added: None

Notes: Jahni Kerr is the returning starter, with other positions open for competition. The departures of Mudge and Harding create opportunities for players like Hallie Wacaser and Kennedy Harp to step up.

Pitching

Returning: Makenna Reid, Mimi Gooden, Ashtyn Danley
Departed: Allison Royalty, Emma Wilson, Madi Balk
Added: Julia Apsel, Annabelle Widra, Jasmine 'Jazzy' Francik

Notes: The pitching staff sees significant additions, with Julia Apsel transferring from Hofstra and Jazzy Francik joining from high school. The returning trio brings experience, and the new additions are expected to enhance depth and performance.

As the Seminoles prepare for the 2025 season, the mix of returning talent and new additions positions them well for a strong campaign. The roster's depth and versatility will be key as FSU aims to return to the top.

🔍FSU’s Defensive Depth Chart Preview for 2024 Season 🔍

Warchant recently explored the possible depth chart for the Florida State defense heading into preseason camp. As the Seminoles prepare for their opener against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland, here's a look at the potential lineup:

Defensive End

Top candidates to start:

• Patrick Payton, R-Jr., 6-5, 250
  Having racked up 20.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks over the past two seasons, Payton is expected to be one of the top defensive ends in college football this season. He also packed on an additional 15 pounds to improve his ability to stop the run.

• Marvin Jones Jr., Jr., 6-5, 255
  Jones only started one game last season at Georgia, but he made a big impression during his first spring with the Seminoles. The son of an all-time Florida State great has a unique combination of size and athleticism.

Likely backups:

• Sione Lolohea, R-Sr., 6-3, 265
  Lolohea is more of an edge-setter than an elite pass-rusher, but his strength and power should be a major asset against certain offenses. He earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors last season at Oregon State.

• Byron Turner Jr., R-Jr., 6-4, 251
  Turner has improved throughout his Florida State career and was a key member of the defensive end rotation in 2023, averaging 20 snaps per game.

Wild card:

• Aaron Hester, R-So., 6-2, 244
  After an outstanding spring, the expectation is that Hester will be a legitimate contributor for FSU’s defense this fall.

Defensive Tackle

Top candidates to start:

• Joshua Farmer, R-Jr., 6-3, 318
  Having earned second-team All-ACC honors last season, Farmer has a chance to be one of the top defensive tackles in college football this fall. He recorded 32 tackles (7.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks) in 2023.

• Darrell Jackson, R-Jr., 6-5, 330
  Jackson missed nearly the entire ’23 season due to NCAA transfer rules, but he was impressive during practice and is a former starter at Miami. He and Farmer were high school teammates and have been waiting a long time for the opportunity to play side-by-side in college.

Likely backups:

• Grady Kelly, R-Jr., 6-2, 295
  Kelly transferred in from Colorado State and brings extensive experience, having started 22 of 26 games the past three seasons.

• Daniel Lyons, R-So., 6-4, 294
  Lyons worked his way into the defensive tackle rotation last fall as a redshirt freshman and started the Orange Bowl, but he will be challenged by each of the players listed below.

Wild cards:

• Tomiwa Durojaiye, R-So., 6-4, 280
  After transferring in from West Virginia, Durojaiye worked at defensive end and defensive tackle in the spring, but it seems like his greatest contributions could come on the interior. He possesses a unique combination of speed and power.

• KJ Sampson, R-Fr., 6-3, 306
  Sampson was extremely impressive while redshirting last season and has already displayed a knack for rushing the passer.

Linebacker

Top candidates to start:

• DJ Lundy, R-Sr., 6-1, 241
  Florida State’s coaches considered Lundy a third starting linebacker last season, and he returns to lead the unit in 2024.

• Blake Nichelson, So., 6-3, 224
  FSU’s second starting spot should be wide open entering camp, but Nichelson’s speed and playmaking ability should give him the edge. He received constant praise from coaches for making major strides during the spring.

Likely backups:

• Omar Graham Jr., R-So., 6-1, 228
  Despite battling a nagging injury throughout the 2023 season, Graham was a regular part of the linebacker rotation. FSU defensive coordinator Adam Fuller has said Graham was pushing for a starting job before his injury in preseason camp one year ago.

• Cam Riley, R-Sr., 6-5, 237
  Riley is a former starter at Auburn but transferred after losing that top spot last season. His ability to learn Fuller’s defense in preseason camp will determine how large of a role he claims with the Seminoles.

Wild card:

• Justin Cryer, So., 6-1, 232
  An impressive freshman campaign ended with him seeing extensive action in the Orange Bowl, where he recorded six tackles against Georgia.

Cornerback

Top candidates to start:

• Azareye’h Thomas, Jr., 6-2, 198
  Like Lundy at linebacker, Thomas was considered Florida State’s third starting cornerback last fall. And he followed that up with an exceptional spring, where he looked like one of the best players on the entire roster.

• Fentrell Cypress II, R-Sr., 6-0, 188
  Cypress returns for his second season as a starter at FSU after starting previously at Virginia. Is expected to combine with Thomas to be one of the top cornerback duos in the country.

Likely backups:

• Quindarrius Jones, So., 6-2, 190
  Jones didn’t earn much playing time at cornerback as a freshman, but he made plays frequently in practice.

• Edwin Joseph, R-Fr., 6-0, 190
  After working primarily at nickel corner as a freshman, Joseph showed off strong coverage skills on the outside during spring drills.

Wild card:

• Ja’Bril Rawls, R-Fr., 6-1, 176
  A strong spring is an indication that Rawls could be a factor in FSU’s cornerback rotation this fall, but he will have to fight off the challenge from several talented freshman corners.

Safety

Top candidates to start:

• Shyheim Brown, R-Jr., 6-2, 208
  After starting every game last season, Brown returns as the undisputed leader of the Florida State safeties. Recorded 53 tackles in 2023 and could be on the brink of stardom.

• Omarion Cooper, Sr., 6-0, 202
  Cooper transferred back from Colorado in the summer and is expected to make the move to safety after playing cornerback earlier in his career.

Likely backups:

• Conrad Hussey, So., 6-0, 200
  Hussey shined as a true freshman and continued to show improvement during the spring. Wouldn’t be a shock if he beat out Cooper for the starting job.

• Davonte Brown, R-Sr., 6-2, 195
  Brown is another converted cornerback who was a starter at UCF before playing as a reserve last season at Miami.

Wild card:

• Ashlynd Barker, R-So., 6-3, 212
  Junior college transfer is extremely gifted physically and will continue to improve the more experience he gets.

Nickel Corner

Top candidate to start:

• Earl Little Jr., R-So. 6-1, 186
  Alabama transfer was very highly regarded coming out of high school and seemed to adapt quickly during his first spring with the Seminoles.

Likely backup:

• Kevin Knowles II, Sr., 5-11, 190
  Has started in the past and will be looking to reclaim earlier form. While playing through an apparent injury last fall and also working out of position at safety, Knowles endured a difficult 2023.

Wild card:

• Edwin Joseph
  It is unknown if Joseph will primarily play outside corner this fall, as listed above, or provide depth in the slot. He is definitely an option here if the Seminoles need him.

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📝 FSU's Current Linebacker Room and Recruiting Outlook 📝 

With the Florida State football team gearing up for the 2024 season, the linebacker position stands out as a critical area of focus. The Seminoles need to replace two multi-year, All-ACC performers in Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune, whose stability and playmaking will be sorely missed.

Noles247 recently gave their thoughts on the current linebacker depth chart and the recruiting landscape going forward.

Current Linebacker Depth Chart

Boundary Linebacker

• Top candidate to start: DJ Lundy, RS Sr. Lundy has shown significant improvement over the years, recording 54 tackles, 6 TFLs, and 2 sacks last season. His PFF grade has improved yearly, reaching 78.3 last season.

• Likely backup: Justin Cryer, Soph. Cryer showed promise as a freshman and is expected to compete for significant playing time this season.

• Wild card: Shawn Murphy, RS Soph. Despite a challenging spring, Murphy has the potential to push for playing time, though he faces stiff competition.

Field Linebacker

• Top candidate to start: Cam Riley, Sr. The Auburn transfer brings much-needed experience and athleticism. Riley's ability to adapt quickly to FSU's scheme will be crucial.

• Likely backup: Blake Nichelson, Soph. Nichelson's athleticism and range make him a strong candidate for increased playing time. He is viewed as a potential breakout player for the Seminoles.

• Wild card: Omar Graham, RS Soph. Graham played through injury last season but has shown he can be a valuable rotational player.

Position MVP: DJ Lundy Lundy's experience and consistent improvement make him the anchor of this linebacker group. His ability to elevate his game further, particularly in coverage, will be key for FSU's defense.

Newcomer to Watch: Cam Riley Riley's experience and athleticism make him a vital addition. His performance in the summer program has been encouraging, and he has a high probability of starting.

Breakout Candidate: Blake Nichelson Nichelson's impressive athleticism and potential make him a candidate to start and possibly become an NFL talent.

It's Now or Never: Shawn Murphy Murphy needs to prove his worth this season, facing competition from fellow sophomores and new transfers.

Recruiting Outlook

Current Commitments:

• 4-star LB Ethan Pritchard — Sanford (Fla.) Seminole Pritchard, committed since last fall, has been solid in his commitment despite interest from UCF. His strength lies in his coverage ability, having played safety in high school.

Targets and Prospects:

• 4-star LB Ty Jackson Despite being one of the top linebackers in the Southeast, Jackson hasn't visited FSU this year. He has an official visit scheduled for November, which will be crucial for FSU to make up ground.

• 4-star LB Tavion Wallace Wallace's commitment to Arkansas was a setback for FSU, but they plan to continue recruiting him. His earlier trend towards FSU indicates there's still a chance to flip his commitment.

• 4-star LB Tarvos Alford (Ohio State Commit) Flipping Alford from Ohio State is challenging, but FSU remains in contention. Alford's visit to FSU for a 7-on-7 event keeps the door open, with an official visit planned for September.

🌟 Key Storylines from the ACC Kickoff Event 🌟

The ACC Kickoff event marks the unofficial start of football season, bringing together coaches, players, administrators, and media members from across the conference. The Osceola dove into three major storylines to watch from the event.

1. ACC Unrest ⚖️

Background:
Last year, rumblings about financial dissatisfaction among FSU and other schools emerged, leading to ongoing lawsuits against the ACC from both FSU and Clemson. This situation creates a unique backdrop for the ACC Kickoff.

Key Points to Watch:

• ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips' response during his state of the league address.

• The balance between acknowledging FSU's football success and other ACC achievements.

• The role and reception of the three new schools (Cal, SMU, and Stanford) debuting in the ACC this season.

2. FSU Debunking the Narrative 🏈

Background:
Despite being labeled as "Transfer U," FSU is bringing three homegrown players to the ACC Kickoff: Darius Washington, Patrick Payton, and Josh Farmer. This contrasts with other teams heavily featuring transfer players.

Key Points to Watch:

• FSU's choice to highlight developed talent rather than transfer additions.

• The statement made by bringing players who contributed to last year's ACC Championship.

• How this move impacts the narrative around FSU's roster-building strategy.

3. Is FSU Picked to Repeat as ACC Champs? 🏆

Background:
FSU had an undefeated regular season and won the ACC Championship in 2023 but was controversially left out of the College Football Playoff. With significant player turnover, it's uncertain how the team will be perceived this year.

Key Points to Watch:

• Media predictions for FSU's performance in the ACC.

• Comparison with Clemson's continuity and other potential contenders like Miami.

• How FSU's motivation from last year's snub influences expectations for 2024.

The ACC Kickoff event is sure to be an interesting one!

💪 FSU's Offensive Line: The Driving Force in 2024 💪

Florida State's offensive line is poised to be the cornerstone of the Seminoles' offense in 2024. Here’s a look at why:

Returning Starters 🏈

FSU boasts five players who have been regular starters:

• Darius Washington

• Robert Scott

• Maurice Smith

• Keiondre Jones

• Jeremiah Byers

Transfer Talent 🌟

FSU strengthened their line with two impactful transfers:

• Richie Leonard (Florida)

• Jacob Rizy (Harvard)

Competitive Depth 🔥

Under the guidance of offensive line coach Alex Atkins, several underclassmen are vying for spots in the rotation. The Seminoles have the depth to be two-deep at all five positions this season.

Offensive Line Breakdown 📝

Tackle Positions

• Left Tackle: Darius Washington is the starter, with Robert Scott as his backup. Washington is expected to compete for All-America honors.

• Right Tackle: Jeremiah Byers holds this spot, with rising star Andre Otto as his backup.

Center Position

• Starter: Maurice Smith

• Backups: Jacob Rizy and Andre Otto will compete for the backup role, although neither has game experience at center.

Guard Positions: The Battles to Watch ⚔️

Right Guard

• Contenders: Keiondre Jones, Richie Leonard, Jacob Rizy

• Key Points: Jones and Leonard split time in the spring, excelling in the run game. Rizy, a former tackle, could also challenge for a spot.

Left Guard

• Contenders: TJ Ferguson, Bryson Estes, Julian Armella, Jacob Rizy

• Key Points: The spring saw a three-way battle among Ferguson, Estes, and Armella. Ferguson showed promise and is listed as the starter entering camp, but competition remains fierce.

Conclusion: A Season of Depth and Competition 🏆

Coach Mike Norvell and Alex Atkins have transformed the offensive line from a position of need to a position of strength. With starting-caliber players in backup roles, the competition will be intense, ensuring that FSU's offensive line is prepared to dominate in 2024.

You can check out more details here.

And that’s a wrap!

As the excitement builds for the upcoming season, Florida State is poised for success across multiple fronts.

The depth and talent in both the offensive and defensive lines positions the Seminoles well for 2024. With the ACC Kickoff event signaling the start of football season, stay tuned for more updates and insights as FSU gears up for an action-packed year.

Go ‘Noles! 🍢