Forwarded this email from a friend? Subscribe at the button below

Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Sunday Seminole!

It’s the final day of a long Fourth of July weekend, but FSU news isn’t taking a day off. With flip-watch season in full swing, key decisions looming at EDGE, and a revamped defensive front taking shape, there’s plenty to track as the ‘Noles gear up for a pivotal fall.

🔁 Flip Back In? Five top-100 prospects who committed elsewhere could still circle back to FSU if things break right this season.

💥 JACK Attack Incoming? With Chris Addison off the board and the Noles searching at EDGE, FSU’s linebacker board might become the new pressure point — especially with July 12 decisions looming.

🧱 Defensive Line Reload: The D-line overhaul is nearly complete. Now comes the hard part: turning promise into production.

🔔 Top 40 Spotlight: Three high-upside names land in the “Calling My Shot” tier — including a TE nicknamed “Grenade.”

🌴 Full-Circle Transfer: After a tough year at USC, Jarvis Boatwright Jr. is back in Florida — and ready to make his mark in the 3-3-5.

Let’s dive in 👇️ 

Experience safe and effective relief from chronic pain with Nápreva.

Over 50 million Americans, including those with demanding jobs, active lifestyles, or conditions like arthritis, struggle with chronic pain. Many also face harmful side effects from opioids, steroids, and over-the-counter painkillers. Nápreva's plant-based terpene formula provides rapid relief, helping users sleep better and reduce stress and anxiety. Clinical studies suggest terpenes may offer more effective relief than traditional drugs—without the unwanted side effects.

🔁 5 Former FSU Targets to Watch This Fall 🔁

The Seminoles may not be done with these names just yet.

Florida State’s 2025 recruiting class could still evolve — especially if the ‘Noles bounce back with a big year on the field. Here are five four-star prospects who committed elsewhere this summer but could circle back to Tallahassee if things break right this fall:

🟠 RB Carsyn Baker (UF commit)
• FSU was once the leader, and his family loves the Seminole offense
• Teammate of FSU commit TE Xavier Tiller
• A strong rushing attack under Malzahn could re-open the door

⚪ OL Samuel Roseborough (Texas A&M commit)
• Visited FSU three times in spring/summer
• Strong bond with OL coach Herb Hand still in play
• Improvement up front could make this one flip-worthy

🟣 DE Trenton Henderson (LSU commit)
• Grew up a fan and attended numerous FSU camps
• Plans to visit for the Alabama game
• A dominant defensive line showing could swing momentum

🟡 LB TJ White (Tennessee commit)
• FSU led for much of spring
• Loved his projected fit in Tony White’s defense
• Still close with LB coach John Papuchis — this one isn’t over

🔵 DB CJ Bronaugh (UF commit)
• Previously committed to Nebraska — strong ties to FSU’s new staff
• Gators surged late after a strong 2024, but fortunes can flip
• If FSU returns to form, this could get interesting again

🔑 Bottom Line:
If the Seminoles show real progress in 2025 — especially in the trenches — these five names could be back in play by November. Keep them bookmarked.

👉 Full analysis and commitment timelines here.

💥 After Losing Addison, Where FSU Turns at EDGE 💥

JACK spot still up for grabs — and July 12 looms large.

Florida State missed on three-star EDGE Chris Addison, who chose Michigan State on July 4 despite previously signaling he’d join the ‘Noles. It’s a stinger — not just because of the flip, but because Addison was a projected fit for Tony White’s critical JACK linebacker role.

So what now? Here’s where things stand at the position:

🧱 Katrell Webb (3⭐ EDGE)
• Decision moved to July 12
• Finalists: FSU, Indiana, Purdue
• Viewed as FSU’s top JACK target still on the board
• NIL dynamics remain unclear — FSU is in it, but needs to close strong

🔄 Kamron Wilson (3⭐ EDGE, Syracuse commit)
• FSU made waves with a spring offer
• South Florida native canceled late-June official to FSU
• Potential flip target this fall — geography still favors the ‘Noles

👀 LBs as JACK Conversions:
• Elijah Herring, Stefon Thompson, Omar Graham Jr. expected to rotate at JACK in 2025
• Staff sees similar upside in 2026 LB targets Duyon Forkpa Jr. and Rodney Colton Jr. — both deciding July 12

🏃 Forkpa: Blazing 4.44 speed — raw explosiveness
💪 Colton: Physical and disruptive off the edge

🔑 Bottom Line:
The loss of Addison puts pressure on July 12 — FSU needs to land at least one of Forkpa or Colton to keep JACK depth trending in the right direction. EDGE options are thinning, and the staff may need to get creative with its linebacker haul.

👉 More details on the EDGE recruiting board here.

⛏️💰️ Own a share in your own gold mine ⛏️ 💰️ 

This Company with a pre-money valuation of only C$3million is completing a C$3million seed equity raise for the restart of the fully permitted Gold Road mine in Arizona, USA. The current low company valuation offers near-term potential for a significant re-rating from the production start, a public quotation, and an additional one million ounces of gold exploration upside.

The cost to build Gold Road from scratch today would be close to US$100 million and management plans to grow production to 20,000 ounces of gold per year in 2025/26. In a strong gold price environment this could lead to a US$40+million EBITDA in 2026 and potential for a very healthy dividend yield paid in physical gold and silver.

Management has a proven track record and plans to go public in Q1 2026.

🧱 Defensive Line Reset: The Faces & Forces of FSU’s New Front 🧱

New players, new scheme, and one massive spotlight on Darrell Jackson Jr.

Florida State’s defensive line is getting a total makeover in 2025 — five players out, five in, and an entirely restructured coaching staff to go with it. Terrance Knighton now leads the entire DL room, Odell Haggins has moved off-field, and DC Tony White’s 3-3-5 brings a schematic shift that leans heavily on trench versatility — especially at the JACK position.

Here’s how the position group shakes out heading into fall:

💥 Defensive Tackle:
• Darrell Jackson Jr. is the cornerstone — at 6’6”, 337 lbs, Norvell challenged him to become a Top 10 NFL pick or not come back at all. This is his year to dominate.
• Daniel Lyons returns after tallying 25 tackles and 3 sacks in 2024 — a rare bright spot on a struggling unit. Still, size concerns persist for full-time NT duties (6’4”, 292 lbs).
• Kevin Wynn, the 343-pound true freshman, could sneak into meaningful snaps early. FSU fended off Georgia and South Carolina to keep him in Garnet & Gold.

🔥 Defensive End:
• James Williams, the Nebraska transfer, is the headline addition. At 6’6”, 250 lbs, he brings elite traits, familiarity with the scheme, and a relentless motor. Coaches love him.
• Jaden Jones missed all of 2024 with injury, but could become a sneaky pass-rush option if healthy — a big “if” with big upside.
• Jayson Jenkins, another portal win, will work inside and outside. He played all 13 games for Tennessee in 2024, including in the CFP. Missed spring camp but is expected to compete immediately.

🔑 Bottom Line:
The DL may have been FSU’s most disappointing units in 2024 — and now, it may be its most intriguing. With Jackson’s elite frame, Williams’ edge explosiveness, and Jenkins’ positional flexibility, the tools are there. Whether the production follows will define the defense’s floor and ceiling in 2025.

👉 Full position-by-position preview here.

🔔 FSU Top 40 Countdown: Nos. 13–15 🔔

Brendan Sonnone’s “40 Most Important Players” series hits Tier 6 — the Calling My Shot Tier — where upside and conviction collide. These three may not be stars (yet), but they’re ready to elevate the Seminoles’ floor this fall.

📍 No. 13 — DL Deante McCray
• Western Kentucky transfer and elite run defender
• 5th nationally in Stops (25) and Defensive Tackle Rate (16.5%) among edge defenders
• Versatile, mature, and scheme-malleable — can play multiple DL spots
• Whether he starts or rotates, expect big-time usage

📍 No. 14 — CB Ja’Bril Rawls
• Breakout spring camp puts him in line to start opposite Jeremiah Wilson
• Added weight (176 → 185 lbs) addressed physicality concerns
• Described by Tony White as an “NFL talent” this spring
• Long-time staff favorite who finally appears ready to deliver

📍 No. 15 — TE Randy Pittman (“Grenade”)
• Familiar with Malzahn’s system after 2 years at UCF
• Known for toughness, blocking versatility, and no-BS playstyle
• Could be a fan favorite if this group becomes a gritty, overachieving bunch

🔑 Bottom Line:
McCray brings proven production, Rawls may be peaking at the right time, and Pittman fits the exact attitude Norvell wants in a blue-collar unit. This tier isn’t about flash — it’s about raising the floor.

👉 Full countdown and player breakdowns here.

🌴 Full-Circle Transfer: Jarvis Boatwright Jr. Finds Home at FSU 🌴
After a tough year across the country, the Clearwater native is back where he always belonged.

Former USC safety Jarvis Boatwright Jr. is embracing his fresh start in Tallahassee — and his decision to transfer to Florida State was driven by familiarity, relationships, and the perfect defensive fit.

📍 Backstory:
• 102 tackles as a senior at Clearwater HS
• Chose USC over in-state options out of high school
• Redshirted 2024 due to injury and homesickness
• Entered portal with no recent film — rolled the dice

📞 The Call:
• Tony White recruited Boatwright at Nebraska and called him immediately after he entered the portal
• Longtime interest from Mike Norvell and DBs coach Patrick Surtain sealed the deal
• Played against Surtain’s team (American Heritage) in high school — “full-circle moment”

🤝 The USC Connection:
• WR Duce Robinson was Boatwright’s teammate at USC and already thriving at FSU
• “I just wanted to be back home. And when Coach White called me… it was a sign.”

🔍 Scheme Fit:
• Loves White’s 3-3-5: “Three-high safeties… I feel like I can play all three positions”
• Learned a lot under USC DC D’Anton Lynn, but sees more versatility at FSU

🌅 Fresh Start Energy:
• “The team hasn’t even thought about last season”
• “Everyone’s on the same page… nobody’s got their head down”

🔑 Bottom Line:
Boatwright is back in Florida, surrounded by coaches he knows and a scheme that maximizes his skill set. His transfer isn’t just about fit — it’s a reset that could pay off big for a defense on the rise.

👉 Full transfer profile and scheme analysis here.

And that’s a wrap!

Whether you’re grilling leftovers or grinding tape on the ‘Noles’ defensive front, here’s hoping your weekend ends on a high note. July 12 is shaping up to be a pivotal day for linebacker recruiting — and if FSU’s defense lives up to the offseason hype, we might be revisiting a few “no’s” that turn into “maybe’s.”

Until then, enjoy what’s left of the long weekend and keep the sunscreen and optimism handy.

— The Chief