🏹 July 26th - The Chief Brief 🏹

🏅 Champions in the Classroom and Beyond: FSU's Stellar Performances on All Fronts 🏅

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The Chief
July 26, 2024

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

TGIF Seminole!

Today is the opening ceremony of the Olympics, Football camp is in full swing, and there’s a major recruiting event this weekend.

Here’s the docket for you:

🎓🏌️‍♂️ Frederik Kjettrup Earns All-America Scholar Honors
Florida State alum Frederik Kjettrup has been named to the 2024 NCAA Division I Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar Team, marking his third consecutive year receiving this honor.

🏀 Sara Bejedi Signs Professional Contract in Hungary
FSU women's basketball alumna Sara Bejedi has signed her first professional contract with Atomeromu KSC Szekszárd in Hungary.

🥎 FSU Softball Stars Shine in Athletes Unlimited Championship
Four former FSU softball players, including Kalei Harding and Kathryn Sandercock, will compete in the Athletes Unlimited Softball Championship Season.

🏀 FSU Basketball Signs Top Prospect Alier Maluk
Florida State has signed versatile 7-foot forward Alier Maluk, a standout player with impressive defensive skills and athleticism.

🏅 Seminoles Head to the 2024 Olympic Games
Four more Seminoles, including Kevin Borlee and Andy Coscoran, are set to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

🌟 FSU Lands Four-Star WR Malik Clark
Florida State has secured a commitment from four-star wide receiver Malik Clark, emphasizing the opportunity to compete for a national championship.

🏈 Seminoles Shine in Day 2 of Preseason Camp
Florida State's Day 2 of preseason camp highlighted strong performances from QB DJ Uiagalelei and WR Malik Benson.

🔥 Florida State Hosts End-of-July Recruiting Event
FSU will host a major recruiting event on July 27th, featuring top prospects like 4-star QB Tramell Jones Jr. and 5-star OL Solomon Thomas.

🏌️‍♂️ Frederik Kjettrup Earns All-America Scholar Honors 🏌️‍♂️

Florida State alumnus Frederik Kjettrup has been named to the 2024 NCAA Division I Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar Team by the Golf Coaches Association of America. This marks his third consecutive year receiving this honor.

Academic and Athletic Excellence

  • Graduation: Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management (May 2024)

  • Professional Wins: Beachlands Victoria Open (June 23), ATB Classic (June 30)

  • Honors: 2023 ACC Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year, All-ACC Academic Golf team (2021, 2023, 2024), ACC Academic Honor Roll (all four seasons)

Coach Trey Jones on Kjettrup: "Freddy's dedication to academics and golf is exemplary. He sets a high bar for our team."

🏀 Sara Bejedi Signs Professional Contract in Hungary 🏀

FSU women's basketball alumna Sara Bejedi signed her first professional contract with Atomeromu KSC Szekszárd in Hungary on July 20.

Collegiate Career Highlights

  • Points Scored: 1,087 points over a five-year career

  • Games: Played in 101 games, starting 70

  • Career Highs: 31 points in a win over No. 11 Virginia Tech, nine field goals made, eight rebounds

  • Academic Achievements: Graduated with a degree in criminology, named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll (2023-24)

International Experience

  • Finnish National Team: Member of the Senior National Team (2017-2018) and U22 team (2023)

  • World University Games: Top scorer at the 2023 tournament, leading Finland to a bronze medal

Bejedi and KSC Szekszárd will start their 2024-25 season in the Euroleague on September 18.

🥎 FSU Softball Stars Shine in Athletes Unlimited Championship 🥎

Four former Florida State softball players will begin the Athletes Unlimited Softball Championship Season on Friday, running through August 25. Kalei Harding, Josie Muffley, Kathryn Sandercock, and Jessi Warren have all signed contracts with Athletes Unlimited, making FSU the college with the third-most players in the league.

Team Assignments

  • Team Svekis: Sandercock and Warren

  • Team Alexander: Harding and Muffley

Teams will be re-drafted weekly by the highest-scoring players.

Player Highlights

  • Kalei Harding: Impressed in the AUX season with a .315 average, 17 RBIs, and three home runs in 12 games. Set a record with nine RBIs in a single game.

  • Josie Muffley: Known for her defensive prowess, Muffley started all 15 games last season, hitting .200 with two RBIs.

  • Kathryn Sandercock: Posted a 2.05 ERA in 30.2 innings in her debut AU season. Excelled in Japan’s Diamond Softball League with a 1.41 ERA in 64.1 innings.

  • Jessi Warren: Named AUX Defensive MVP for the second consecutive season. Excelled with Team USA, hitting .444 with six RBIs in the WBSC World Cup Finals.

🏀 FSU Basketball Signs Top Prospect Alier Maluk 🏀

Florida State Head Coach Leonard Hamilton has announced the signing of Alier Maluk, a 7-foot, 218-pound forward from Baldwin, Pa., to a Grant in Aid to play basketball at Florida State.

Versatile Talent

Maluk is known for his versatility, elite rim protection, and ability to defend multiple positions. He excels in the open floor, using his length and athleticism to finish in traffic and has the potential to become a strong outside shooter.

Impressive Background

Maluk, who played for Long Island Lutheran, participated in the USA Basketball Men's Junior National Team minicamp in 2022 and was a standout at the 2023 Pangos All-American Camp. Ranked 41st nationally and second in New York by 247Sports, Maluk chose FSU over Maryland, LSU, Ohio State, and Pittsburgh.

Family Support

"Florida State is the best school for my son and the coaching staff is the best staff in the country for my son," said Alier's dad, Pach Alier. "Coach Hamilton is an established coach, so I know Alier is in good hands. I'm happy Alier is doing well and I want him to succeed in his life."

🏅 Seminoles Head to the 2024 Olympic Games 🏅

Four more Seminoles are set to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, joining an impressive lineup of Florida State athletes.

Kevin Borlee - Belgium Borlee will represent Belgium in his fifth Olympic Games, competing in the mixed 4x400-meters relay. A bronze medalist at the 2011 World Championships in the 400-meter, Borlee has a decorated career, including a second-place finish at the NCAA Indoor Championships during his time at FSU (2009-10).

Andy Coscoran - Ireland Coscoran will compete for Ireland in the 1,500 meters, marking his second Olympic appearance. A two-time World Championship semifinalist, he set a national record in 2023. At FSU (2015-16), he competed in the ACC Cross Country Championship and the NCAA Championship.

Ieva Zarankaite - Lithuania Zarankaite will represent Lithuania in the women's discus. A 14-time national champion and 2019 World University Games bronze medalist, she was a standout at FSU (2018), earning first-team All-ACC honors and second-team All-American status.

Caisa-Maria Lindfors - Sweden Lindfors will compete for Sweden in the women's discus. She has previously represented Sweden at the World Athletic Championships, winning gold. During her time at FSU (2021-23), she earned first-team All-American status and won the discus title at the 2023 ACC Outdoor Championship.

These athletes join Jeremiah Davis (USA), Adriaan Wildschutt (South Africa), Kimberly Williams (Jamaica), Lauren Ryan (Australia), Linden Hall (Australia), and Alonzo Russell (Bahamas) in Paris. FSU has had a representative in every Olympic Games since 1972.

The track and field events will run from August 1-11 at Stade de France.

🌟 FSU Lands Four-Star WR Malik Clark 🌟

Florida State has secured a commitment from four-star wide receiver Malik Clark, who chose the Seminoles over North Carolina and South Carolina during his commitment ceremony on Thursday.

A National Championship Goal Clark emphasized the opportunity to compete for a national championship as a key factor in his decision to commit to FSU. "All of them are great schools, all of them have great coaches.

But Florida State differentiated themselves from the pack because I can compete for a natty," Clark told 247Sports' Hale McGranahan.

Key Recruiting Efforts FSU receivers coach Ron Dugans and off-field assistant DJ Daniels played significant roles in recruiting Clark to Tallahassee.

Despite entering the recruitment process late, FSU managed to secure Clark's commitment within two months after offering him a scholarship in May.

Impressive Prospect Clark, ranked as the No. 213 overall prospect and No. 24 wide receiver in the nation, took official visits to FSU, UNC, and South Carolina in June.

He becomes the third blue-chip wide receiver to commit to FSU, joining Lovejoy (Tex.) four-star wideout Daylan McCutcheon and Milton (Ga.) four-star pass catcher CJ Wiley in Tribe25.

High School Achievements As a junior at Rock Hill, Clark caught 46 passes for 800 yards and 9 touchdowns, helping his team reach the first round of the playoffs. He also played some snaps at cornerback and was an All-Herald second-team selection.

Additionally, Clark is an elite track athlete, placing third in the 100-meter dash at the South Carolina 5A state meet with a 10.62 effort and winning the 5A Upper State title with a 10.55 in the 100.

Scouting Report via Andrew Ivins Clark is described as a perimeter playmaker with the speed to find the end zone. Measuring just over 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, he posted impressive testing numbers: 4.39 in the 40-yard dash, 4.31 in the short shuttle, and a 122.5-inch broad jump.

While not yet a complete product, Clark has the potential to become a true difference-maker at the collegiate level and possibly in the NFL. He excels in attacking deeper parts of the field and creating separation with dynamic cuts, though he could improve his footwork and contested catch abilities.

Clark is expected to be a multi-year impact player at the Power Four level with legitimate NFL upside.

🏈 Seminoles Shine in Day 2 of Preseason Camp 🏈

Florida State embarked on Day 2 of preseason camp on Thursday. Although not as crisp as Day 1, the energy and intensity still garnered praise from coach Mike Norvell.

Key Highlights:

DJ Uiagalelei's Sharp Performance Uiagalelei showcased his ability to push the ball vertically, delivering accurate deep throws throughout practice. His connection with speedster Malik Benson on a lofted throw was a standout moment, highlighting his touch and anticipation.

Brock Glenn's Mixed Day Glenn had an up-and-down session, showing comfort in managing the offense but occasionally putting too much air under his throws. However, he made notable plays, including a great pass to WR Kentron Poitier.

WRs and TEs Making Plays Benson demonstrated his deep speed, while TE Kyle Morlock continued his dynamic downfield performance. Freshman TE Amaree Williams impressed again with his advanced movement skills and ball-handling abilities.

RBs Showing Promise RB Micahi Danzy's speed and RB Caziah Holmes' footwork stood out, highlighting the depth and talent in FSU's backfield.

Defensive Standouts CBs Fentrell Cypress and Azareye'h Thomas were excellent, with Thomas showing tight coverage on multiple reps. Freshman CB Charles Lester showed development, and Omarion Cooper impressed with his physicality. The DBs' aggressive play was a key feature of the day's practice.

Coaching and Drills DT coach Odell Haggins emphasized quickness and technique in pass-rush drills, providing detailed instructions to younger players. A notable moment came when Norvell made the youngest group repeat a pursuit drill, showcasing the importance of effort and energy.

🔥 Florida State Hosts End-of-July Recruiting Event 🔥

Florida State will host a major recruiting event on Saturday, July 27th, attracting a stellar lineup of prospects. Here’s a breakdown of the talents expected to attend:

2025 Prospects:

  • 4-star QB Tramell Jones Jr. (FSU commit)

  • 4-star RB Ousmane Kromah (Friday)

  • 4-star WR CJ Wiley (FSU commit)

  • 5-star OL Solomon Thomas (FSU commit)

  • 3-star OL Sean Poret (USF commit) (expected)

  • 4-star Edge Javion Hilson (FSU commit)

  • 4-star DL Jeramiah McCloud (Florida commit) (Friday, potentially)

  • 3-star S Lo'Kavion Jackson (Mississippi State commit)

  • ATH Wesley Ryan

2026 Prospects:

  • 4-star QB Brady Smigiel (FSU commit) (Friday and Saturday)

  • RB Amari Clemons (Friday)

  • 4-star WR Devin Carter (expected)

  • 4-star WR Tristen Keys

  • 4-star WR Kaydon Finley

  • 3-star WR Elias Coke

  • 3-star WR Kenyon Alston

  • WR Tylan Vickers (expected)

  • WR Ryan Mosley

  • WR Santana Carlos

  • WR Kavon Conciauro (expected)

  • 3-star TE Kai Wesley

  • TE Adam Land

  • 4-star OT Evan Goodwin (Friday and Saturday)

  • OT Malcolm Gaston

  • 4-star OL Darius Gray

  • 4-star OL Pierre 'PJ' Dean (expected)

  • 3-star OL Ben Gula

  • OL Michael Ionata

  • OL Michael Bowens Jr.

  • OL Javeion Cooper (expected)

  • OL Jayvon Perry (expected)

  • 4-star Edge Zavion Griffin-Haynes

  • 4-star Edge Jarius Rodgers

  • Edge Brian Harris

  • DL/OL Stephone Ross

  • 3-star LB Dennis King III (expected)

  • 4-star CB Samari Matthews

  • 4-star DB Kamden Jennings

  • 4-star DB Preston Ashley

  • 4-star DB Kaiden Hall

  • 4-star DB Darryl 'Tre' Bell III (FSU commit)

  • 3-star DB Jalon Copeland

  • DB Dariyon Gordon

  • DB Jordan Smith

  • DB Traeviss Stevenson

  • 4-star ATH Jonah Winston (expected)

  • ATH Karon Maycock

2027 Prospects:

  • QB Trent Seaborn

  • QB Mason Holtzclaw

  • QB Elijah Haven

  • RB Jakeyveon 'Noah' Parker

  • RB Tyson Robinson

  • RB Amir Brown

  • WR Tank White (Syracuse commit) (expected)

  • TE Grant Haviland

  • OL Jaylen Haywood

  • DL Mason Thomas

  • LB Will Abrams (Friday)

  • CB Akedran Crumel

  • CB Kenton Dopson

  • CB Joshua Dobson

  • ATH George Lamons Jr.

  • ATH Zy Tassin

2028 Prospects:

  • QB Luke Rubley

  • QB Charles Scott Jr.

  • QB Noah Patton (expected)

  • QB Knox Annis (expected)

  • RB Anthony Howard Jr.

  • WR Brysen Wright

  • OL Max Jones (expected)

  • Edge Chase 'CT' Foster II

  • DL Asher Ghioto

  • ATH TJ Williamson

  • ATH Braylon Clark

The event promises to be a pivotal moment for the Seminoles as they strengthen their recruiting class and build for the future.

And that’s a wrap!

Stay tuned to The Chief Brief for all the latest updates on Florida State athletics. Whether it's academic achievements, professional signings, or standout performances in preseason camp, we've got you covered.

Go Noles!

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