🏹 July 29th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Preseason Progress, Recruiting Updates, and Olympic Records

Author

The Chief
July 29, 2024

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Here’s the Monday Brief:

🏈 Sunday Practice Highlights: FSU Football Progresses 🏈 FSU's Sunday practice saw quarterbacks DJ Uiagalelei and Brock Glenn shine, with notable performances from freshmen Kam Davis and Micahi Danzy. Patrick Payton and the defense stood strong, blocking field goals and securing interceptions.

⭐️ 5-Star OT Josh Petty's Final FSU Visit Before Decision ⭐️ Five-star OT Josh Petty visited FSU before his August 12th decision. He praised Coach Atkins and Coach Norvell, with FSU leading in his recruitment. The presence of his sister at FSU adds a personal connection.

🎙️ Jordan Travis' Legacy: Inspiring Leadership at FSU 🎙️ Jordan Travis' humility and respect left a lasting impact on teammates like Patrick Payton. Travis' example, along with Coach Norvell's influence, has fostered a culture of excellence and personal growth at FSU.

🌊 FSU Athletes Break Records at Paris Olympics 🌊 Max Wilson set a national record for the U.S. Virgin Islands in the men’s 100 backstroke. Peter Varjasi anchored Germany's 4x100 free relay team to a national record. Ida Hulkko competed in the women’s 100 breaststroke, with more FSU athletes set to compete.

🗞️ FSU Weekend Recruiting Roundup 🗞️ Top prospects visited FSU during the Seminole Showcase. Four-star DB Preston Ashley and four-star safety J'Zavien Currence expressed strong interest in FSU. Onis Konanbanny is deciding between Tennessee and FSU. 2026 QB commit Brady Smigiel focused on recruiting fellow top prospects.

🏈 Sunday Practice Recap: FSU Football Brings Energy and Precision 🏈

Florida State football's Sunday practice was marked by impressive performances and significant progress, as the team geared up for the upcoming season. The Seminoles' fourth practice of preseason saw both the offense and defense showcasing their skills.

Quarterbacks Shine:

  • DJ Uiagalelei and Brock Glenn had their most consistent day of fall camp. Uiagalelei, despite an early interception, displayed high-level decision-making and mobility. Glenn impressed with his touch passes and speed.

  • Freshman Luke Kromenhoek connected well with receivers, highlighting his deep ball accuracy.

Running Backs and Receivers Step Up:

  • Freshmen Kam Davis and Micahi Danzy had standout performances, with Danzy breaking off long touchdown runs.

  • Wide receivers, including Malik Benson, Hykeem Williams, and Deuce Spann, made significant catches. Benson, in particular, continued to show why he's a top playmaker.

Tight Ends and Offensive Line Show Strength:

  • Tight end Jerrale Powers and freshman Amaree Williams were consistent targets, while Kyle Morlock, Jackson West, and Brian Courtney excelled in run-blocking.

  • Darius Washington led the offensive line with multiple winning reps in pass-protection drills.

Defensive Dominance:

  • Patrick Payton blocked a field goal for the second consecutive practice, while Azareye'h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress both secured interceptions.

  • Defensive linemen like KJ Sampson, Tomiwa Durojaiye, and Darrell Jackson stood out, with Sampson consistently disrupting plays.

Coach's Insight:

  • Coach Mike Norvell praised the team's energy and effort, noting the importance of maintaining crisp execution as more complex plays are introduced.

Looking Ahead:

  • FSU will return to the practice field on Monday, with the expectation of transitioning to full pads, ready to build on the momentum from Sunday's session.

Closing Thoughts:

  • The Seminoles are showing promising signs of cohesion and talent across the board, setting a strong foundation for the season ahead.

You can check out more details here, here, and here.

⭐️ 5-Star OT Josh Petty Wraps Up Final Visit to FSU Before Decision ⭐️

Roswell (Ga.) Fellowship Christian School's five-star offensive tackle Josh Petty made a significant return visit to Florida State on Sunday, marking his final trip before his August 12th decision. Petty, who also visited Georgia Tech on Saturday, has Florida State, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Stanford, and Tennessee as his top contenders.

Revisiting FSU: Petty expressed that his return visit to FSU reinforced the positive impression left by his official visit. "FSU is a great school, they're really special, and they hold that place in my heart," Petty said. The bond with offensive coordinator and line coach Alex Atkins remains strong, with Petty praising Atkins' coaching and the cohesion within the offensive line room.

Coach Norvell's Influence: Petty highlighted his productive conversation with head coach Mike Norvell, describing him as "very real" and passionate. Norvell's excitement and vision for the team have left a lasting impression on Petty, who said, "He looks you in your eyes and tells you his dream and that he wants to coach you."

Family Connection: An important factor for Petty is his sister, who will be attending FSU in the fall. "Getting my sister here was huge. It’s got to mean they have something special here," he noted, emphasizing the personal connection to the school.

Decision Time: As Petty approaches his decision, he remains undecided but acknowledges the importance of making a "40-year decision, not a four-year decision." FSU currently leads in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine with an 80% chance of landing him and holds a Crystal Ball prediction in their favor on 247 Sports, but Georgia Tech and other schools continue to push hard for the coveted lineman.

Stay tuned as Josh Petty announces his commitment on August 12th, a decision that will significantly impact FSU's 2025 recruiting class. You can check out plenty more details here, here, and here.

🎙️ Jordan Travis' Legacy: Impact and Inspiration at Florida State 🎙️

Former teammates of quarterback Jordan Travis rave about the legacy he left at Florida State. Defensive lineman Patrick Payton, speaking at the ACC Kickoff, highlighted Travis as a standout player who treated everyone with respect and humility, despite being one of the best on the team.

Payton's Perspective: Payton admired Travis' selfless attitude, noting, "He was probably the best player on the team. But he never acted like it. He always wanted to make sure his teammates were good." This behavior has influenced Payton to model his own persona on Travis' example, aiming to be a leader both on and off the field.

Personal Growth: Reflecting on his journey, Payton emphasized the personal growth he experienced at FSU, attributing much of it to the culture established by coach Mike Norvell. "Coach Norvell really installed into all of us that you have to be just as great off the field as you have to be on the field," Payton said. This holistic approach to development has shaped Payton into a well-rounded individual, prepared to carry these values beyond his football career.

Travis' Lasting Influence: The legacy of Jordan Travis extends beyond his on-field achievements, leaving a lasting impact on his teammates and the culture at Florida State. His example of humility, respect, and leadership continues to inspire players like Payton, who aim to embody these qualities in their own lives and future endeavors.

🌊 FSU Athletes Break Records and Make Waves at Paris Olympics 🌊

Florida State's Max Wilson set a new national record for the U.S. Virgin Islands in the men’s 100 backstroke at the Paris Olympics, finishing with a time of 54.49 and placing 27th overall. His impressive performance highlights the strong showing of FSU athletes on the world stage.

Peter Varjasi anchored Germany's 4x100 free relay team to a new national record, finishing seventh with a time of 3:12.29. His split time of 47.92 was instrumental in securing their position.

Ida Hulkko represented Finland in the women’s 100 breaststroke, touching at 1:08.73 for 26th place.

The action continues with Emma Terebo competing in the women’s 100 backstroke. Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule featuring more FSU athletes:

2024 Olympics Schedule

  • July 29: Emma Terebo – France, Women’s 100 back

  • July 30: Gloria Muzito – Uganda, Women’s 100 free; Julio Horrego – Honduras, Men’s 200 breast

  • Aug. 1: Emma Terebo – France, Women’s 200 back

  • Aug. 2: Emma Terebo – France, Mixed 4x100 medley relay

  • Aug. 3: Max McCusker – Ireland, Men’s 4x100 medley; Emma Terebo – France, Women’s 4x100 medley

Former FSU diver Molly Carlson will join NBC as a content creator for the Olympics. Competing for Team Canada in high diving, Carlson is a two-time World Aquatics silver medalist and currently ranks second in the 2024 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.

🗞️ FSU Weekend Recruiting Roundup 🗞️ 

Four-star defensive back Preston Ashley from Brandon, Mississippi, visited Florida State for the Seminole Showcase. With deep family ties to the Seminoles, Ashley's admiration for FSU is strong. "Florida State just feels like home to me," he said, marking FSU as his top choice. Ashley, ranked No. 89 overall and No. 8 safety for 2026, plans to return for key home games this fall and aims to make his college decision on May 3, his father's birthday.

Four-star safety J'Zavien Currence from Rock Hill, South Carolina, also visited FSU, further solidifying his interest in the program. At 6'3.5" and 210 pounds, Currence appreciated the intensity and culture under Coach Mike Norvell. "Coach Norvell — there's nothing like him," Currence remarked. Currence, ranked No. 82 overall and No. 7 safety for 2026, continues to keep FSU high on his list alongside other top schools like Florida and Clemson.

Onis Konanbanny, a top-ranked safety from Columbia, South Carolina, is down to Tennessee and Florida State. With a decision expected in August, Konanbanny praised both programs for their genuine relationships and fit. "The Florida State visit blew me out of the water," he stated, highlighting his strong connection with Coach Pat Surtain.

2026 quarterback commit Brady Smigiel returned to FSU for the Seminole Showcase, focusing on recruiting fellow top prospects. "Just being able to come back here and start recruiting, start building this 2026 class," Smigiel said. He is particularly targeting California players like receiver Madden Williams. Smigiel also enjoyed competing with other quarterbacks, including 2025 commit Tramell Jones, and building a strong bond for the future.

Offensive line commit Solomon Thomas attended the Seminoles Elite Camp, emphasizing the importance of connecting with new commits and observing team practices. Thomas, who begins his senior season practice soon, aims for consistent domination on the field and trusts Coach Alex Atkins to help him achieve this. "For him, it's all consistency and the little details that count," Thomas said.

And that’s a wrap!

Whether it’s exciting recruitment news, impressive practice performances, or record-breaking achievements on the world stage, we’ve got you covered.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for upcoming events and games, and keep cheering on our Seminoles!

Until next time, stay engaged, stay informed, and Go Noles!

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