Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Independence Day Seminole!

Here’s what we’ve got for you today before your fireworks:

🥎 FSU Softball Stars Shine Across Various Leagues 🥎 Florida State softball players, both current and former, are making significant impacts in their respective leagues this summer.

⚾️ FSU Baseball Players Shine in Summer Leagues ⚾️ FSU baseball players are showcasing their talents in various summer leagues across the country, gaining valuable experience.

🏈 FSU Competes for 2026 Defensive Lineman Rashawn Ruffin 🏈 Florida State is among the top contenders for standout defensive lineman Rashawn Ruffin from North Duplin High School.

🏆 FSU Pushes to Land Four-Star DB Jaboree Antoine 🏆 Four-star defensive back Jaboree Antoine, who recently decommitted from LSU, is focusing on Florida State and Miami as he approaches his next decision.

🔒 FSU Battles Ole Miss for Four-Star Safety Ladarian Clardy 🔒 Florida State and Ole Miss are neck and neck in the race to secure the commitment of four-star safety Ladarian Clardy.

📉 FSU’s Linebacker Recruiting Struggles Continue 📉 In a surprising turn of events, four-star linebacker Tavion Wallace chose Arkansas over Florida State, highlighting ongoing challenges in FSU’s linebacker recruiting efforts.

🥎 FSU Softball Stars Shine Across Various Leagues 🥎

Florida State softball players, both current and former, have been making significant impacts in their respective leagues this summer. Here’s a roundup of their performances:

Caylan Arnold - Florida Vibe

Caylan Arnold has been strong on the mound for the Florida Vibe, pitching 11.2 innings with a 3.00 ERA and 15 strikeouts. Opponents are hitting just .217 against her.

Angelee Bueno - Sarasota Circus

After a season with the Seminoles, Angelee Bueno is hitting .276 with three home runs and six RBIs for the Sarasota Circus in the Florida Gulf Coast League.

Devyn Flaherty - Texas Monarchs

Devyn Flaherty, a fixture in FSU softball, is now with the Texas Monarchs in the Women's Professional Fastpitch League, maintaining a perfect fielding percentage and contributing three hits.

Mimi Gooden - Manatee Squeeze

Mimi Gooden has pitched 21.1 innings for the Manatee Squeeze in the Florida Gulf Coast League, helping her team secure six wins.

Kalei Harding - Athletes Unlimited

Kalei Harding has excelled in Athletes Unlimited’s AUX Pro Softball League, hitting .315 with 17 RBIs in 12 games. She set a record with nine RBIs in a single game.

Elizabeth Mason - Texas Smoke

Elizabeth Mason continues her success with the Texas Smoke, contributing key hits and RBIs as her team holds a 7-1 record.

Kathryn Sandercock - SGH Galaxy (Japan) and Athletes Unlimited

Kathryn Sandercock finished her season in Japan with a 1.41 ERA and 46 strikeouts. She will compete in the Athletes Unlimited Championship Series later this month.

Jessi Warren - Athletes Unlimited and US Women's National Team

Jessi Warren, playing for Athletes Unlimited and the US Women's National Team, has been stellar, earning the AUX Defensive MVP title and making a strong debut with Team USA.

Danielle Watson - Florida Vibe

Danielle Watson is in her second season with the Florida Vibe but has yet to pitch this season.

These FSU softball stars are showcasing their talent and dedication, making significant contributions to their teams across various leagues.

Check out the full details here

⚾️ FSU Baseball Players Shine in Summer Leagues ⚾️

Florida State baseball players are showcasing their talents in various summer leagues across the country. Here's a look at their performances so far:

USA Collegiate National Team

Jamie Arnold:

• Stats: 4.1 IP / 2 ER / 8 K-3 BB

• Highlights: Started the first game of the training camp, allowing one hit and two walks. Pitched four scoreless innings in a combined no-hitter against Chinese Taipei, striking out seven.

Cape Cod League

Brewster Whitecaps

• Jacob Marlowe (LHP):

  • Stats: 2.1 IP / 1 ER / 3 K-0 BB

  • Highlights: Returned from heart surgery, allowing only two hits and one run.

• Drew Faurot (INF):

  • Stats: 4-20 (.200 AVG) / 3 R / 1 SB

  • Highlights: Played in five games, contributing four hits and three runs.

Chatham Anglers

• Evan Chrest (RHP):

  • Stats: 11.1 IP / 10 ER / 13 K-5 BB

  • Highlights: Made three starts, striking out thirteen.

Hyannis Harbor Hawks

• Jaxson West (C):

  • Stats: 4-5 (.800 AVG) / 4 RBI / 1 R

  • Highlights: Impressive four-hit debut, driving in four runs.

• Alex Lodise (INF):

  • Stats: 3-4 (.750 AVG) / 1 R / 1 SB

  • Highlights: Strong debut with two doubles.

Wareham Gatemen

• Max Williams (OF):

  • Stats: 3-8 (.375 AVG) / 1 HR / 1 RBI

  • Highlights: Hit a solo home run in his second game.

Northwoods League

Mankato MoonDogs

• Brody DeLamielleure (OF):

  • Stats: .352 AVG (88 ABs) / 9 2B / 13 RBI

  • Highlights: Batting .352 with nine doubles and 13 RBIs in 22 games.

Madison Mallards

• Cal Fisher (INF):

  • Stats: 4-18 (.222 AVG) / 1 2B / 1 RBI

  • Highlights: Four hits and five runs in six games.

Valley Baseball League

Harrisonburg Turks

• David Davila (LHP):

  • Stats: 7 IP / 5 ER / 8 K-6 BB

  • Highlights: Struck out eight in seven innings.

• Hudson Rowan (LHP):

  • Stats: 3.2 IP / 4 ER / 4 K-4 BB

  • Highlights: Four strikeouts in two appearances.

Northeast Collegiate Baseball League

Newport Gulls

• Andrew Duncan (OF):

  • Stats: .306 AVG (49 ABs) / 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR / 9 RBI

  • Highlights: Batting .306 with two homers and a .955 OPS.

Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League

Bethesda Big Train

• Peyton Prescott (RHP/UTIL):

  • Stats: 10 IP / 4.50 ERA / 9 K-3 BB

  • Highlights: Pitched 10 innings with nine strikeouts.

These FSU players are gaining valuable experience and continuing to develop their skills in competitive summer leagues. Keep an eye on their progress as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Check out the full details here

Underdog is back in Florida!

Sign up now with the code “CHIEF” and you’ll get a 50% first deposit match up to $500.

That means up to $250 in bonus cash

🏈 FSU Competes for 2026 Defensive Lineman Rashawn Ruffin 🏈

Florida State is among the top contenders for Rashawn Ruffin, a standout defensive lineman from Cameron, N.C. The 6-foot-3, 310-pound prospect from North Duplin High School has received offers from several programs, including South Carolina, NC State, and Charlotte.

Recent Developments:

South Carolina recently surprised Ruffin with an offer. "My reaction to the offer was that it was unexpected," Ruffin said. "My coach told me to call the defensive line coach (Travian Robertson), and he offered me out of nowhere."

Building Relationships:

Ruffin appreciated his conversation with South Carolina’s defensive line coach, Travian Robertson. "He told me that he was going to keep in touch and start a bond with me and my family," Ruffin shared. "It is very important to start bonds with high school players to make them feel at home."

Academic and Athletic Balance:

Ruffin is looking for a college that offers both strong academic and athletic programs. "I'm really focused on finding a college that prioritizes both academic excellence and a strong football program," he stated.

Competing Offers:

Alongside South Carolina, Ruffin has offers from Florida State, NC State, and Charlotte. His decision will likely depend on the relationships he builds with coaching staffs and the balance between academics and athletics each program offers.

Check out the full details here

🏆 FSU Pushes to Land Four-Star DB Jaboree Antoine 🏆

New Iberia (La.) Westgate four-star defensive back Jaboree Antoine, who recently decommitted from LSU, has narrowed his focus to a select few programs as he approaches his next decision. Antoine's recruitment now centers around Florida State, Miami, and a lingering interest in LSU.

Recruitment Highlights:

Top Contenders:

• Florida State and Miami: Both programs hosted Antoine for official visits in June, keeping constant communication throughout his commitment to LSU.

• LSU: Remains in consideration, but Florida State and Miami are currently leading.

Campus Visits and Impressions:

• Miami: Initially considered the biggest threat to flip Antoine from LSU. Miami was the first to offer him a scholarship, which holds sentimental value.

• Florida State: Antoine's official visit and ongoing conversations with the coaching staff have significantly boosted their chances.

Key Influences:

• Personal Connection: Antoine appreciates Florida State’s approach of recruiting him as a person rather than just a player. "Them being able to communicate with me and keep it real, that was really big," he said.

• Relationships: Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. and head coach Mike Norvell have been instrumental in making a strong impression on Antoine.

Upcoming Decision:

Antoine plans to make his decision in early August. While Miami is set to host him again at the end of July, Florida State is aiming to secure a visit around the same time to strengthen their position.

Check out the full details here

🔒 FSU Battles Ole Miss for Four-Star Safety Ladarian Clardy 🔒

Florida State and Ole Miss are neck and neck in the race to secure the commitment of four-star safety Ladarian Clardy from Escambia High School in Pensacola, Fla. Clardy, a 5-foot-10.5, 175-pound prospect, recently returned from an official visit to Ole Miss, which has significantly influenced his recruitment.

Recruitment Highlights:

Recent Visits:

• Ole Miss: Clardy's visit to Oxford on the weekend of June 22 has brought the Rebels even with Florida State. "The visit went great. I loved it," Clardy shared. He appreciated the coaching staff, players, and how he could fit into their defense.

• Florida State: Clardy previously stated that FSU was his leader. He officially visited Tallahassee earlier in June and has strong connections with the coaching staff.

Player Rankings:

• 247Sports: No. 15 safety in America and No. 21 player in Florida's 2025 class.

• 247Sports Composite: No. 20 safety nationally and No. 34 player in Florida.

Key Factors in Decision:

Conference Impact:

• Clardy acknowledges the prestige of the SEC, stating, "The SEC most definitely will play a big part in it... the best players go to the SEC." His desire to compete against top talent influences his consideration for Ole Miss.

Official Visit Impressions:

• Ole Miss: Clardy was impressed by the defensive scheme and team chemistry. "The way the Ole Miss defense is set up, I would love to play for a defense like that," he remarked.

• Florida State: Clardy also had a positive experience with FSU, expressing love for the program and its potential fit.

Decision Timeline:

Clardy plans to announce his decision before his senior season begins in late summer. "From now until then, I'm just going to pray and ask God for a couple of signs," he said.

Check out the full details here

📉 FSU’s Linebacker Recruiting Struggles Continue 📉

In a surprising turn of events, Jesup (Ga.) Wayne County four-star linebacker Tavion Wallace chose Arkansas over Florida State, Georgia, and Florida, shaking the recruiting world.

Wallace’s decision marks the third linebacker target FSU missed in the past two days, following four-star Zaydrius Rainey-Sale’s commitment to Washington and four-star Gavin Nix’s decision to join Miami.

Recent Recruiting Woes:

Disappointing Outcomes:

• Tavion Wallace: Chose Arkansas over perceived favorite FSU.

• Zaydrius Rainey-Sale: Stayed home and picked Washington.

• Gavin Nix: Committed to Miami.

These misses highlight ongoing challenges in FSU’s linebacker recruiting efforts, an area where the program has struggled in recent years.

Historical Context:

Past Recruiting Cycles:

• 2022: Signed three-star Omar Graham Jr. after losing four-star Wesley Bissainthe to Miami.

• 2023: Added one blue-chip linebacker, Blake Nichelson, alongside two three-star prospects, DeMarco Ward and Dylan Brown-Turner (the latter transferred out).

• 2024: No blue-chip recruits at linebacker, signed three-stars Jayden Parrish and Timir Hickman-Collins.

2025 Class Hopes and Current Status:

Initially, the 2025 class seemed promising for FSU’s linebacker recruits, with strong prospects like Wallace, Rainey-Sale, and Nix showing interest. However, setbacks have left FSU with only one linebacker commit, three-star Ethan Pritchard.

Remaining Targets and Strategy:

• TJ Alford: An in-state prospect FSU aims to flip from Ohio State.

• Ty Jackson: Still uncommitted; FSU plans to pursue an in-season official visit.

• Michael Hastie: Three-star linebacker committed to West Virginia, a potential target for FSU’s renewed efforts.

Potential Solutions and Future Outlook:

FSU needs to reassess its linebacker recruiting strategy. Questions arise about:

• Increasing the role of Ernie Sims, former FSU linebacker and current staff member, in recruiting efforts.

• Investing more financially to attract blue-chip linebacker talent.

Mike Norvell must explore these options to enhance FSU’s recruiting efficiency and secure elite linebacker talent essential for the program’s success.

Check out the full details here

And that’s a wrap!

Go eat a hot dog and a burger and watch some fireworks.

Stay connected for more updates and highlights with us tomorrow.

Go Noles!