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Happy Monday fellow Noles - here’s today’s Brief!

⚾ FSU Staves Off Elimination with Win Over Virginia Florida State baseball stays alive in the College World Series with a 7-3 win over Virginia. Key performances by Carson Dorsey and Jaime Ferrer highlighted the game. Dorsey pitched seven innings, allowing only three runs, while Ferrer hit two home runs. FSU will next face the loser of the Tennessee-North Carolina game.

🏈 5-Star WR Kaliq Lockett's Official Visit to FSU Five-star WR Kaliq Lockett visited FSU, impressed by the coaching staff and the team dynamics. Lockett highlighted his potential role in the offense and the strong relationships he built during the visit. He will decide after visiting Alabama and Texas this week.

🏈 Updates Following Visits of Two 4-Star WR Recruits FSU hosted 4-star WRs Malik Clark and Joshua Moore. Clark was impressed by FSU’s welcoming atmosphere, while Moore praised his relationship with Coach Dugans. Both players left with FSU high on their lists.

🏈 Four-Star LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale's Official Visit to FSU Four-star LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale visited FSU with his mother. Both were impressed by the team’s unity and Coach Norvell's genuine connections. Rainey-Sale, who has a top three of UCLA, Washington, and FSU, will decide on July 1.

🏈 Four-Star CB Jaboree Antoine Visits FSU Four-star CB Jaboree Antoine, committed to LSU, visited FSU and praised the program’s energy and honesty. Antoine is weighing his options between LSU, Miami, and FSU, with a final decision expected soon.

🏈 Four-Star Safety Jordan Young's Official Visit to FSU Four-star safety Jordan Young visited FSU and was impressed by the campus and coaching staff. FSU plans to use him in various defensive roles. Young will visit NC State and Michigan next, with a commitment date set for October 12.

⚾ FSU Staves Off Elimination with Win Over Virginia ⚾

Florida State baseball secured a 7-3 victory against Virginia to stay alive in the College World Series, driven by stellar performances from pitcher Carson Dorsey and left-fielder Jaime Ferrer.

Key Highlights:

- Pitching Excellence: Carson Dorsey delivered seven strong innings, allowing three runs and striking out seven. This marks his third straight quality start in the NCAA Tournament.

- Ferrer’s Firepower: Jaime Ferrer hit two home runs, driving in four runs. He now has three homers in the CWS, becoming the first player since 1998 with multiple four-RBI games in a single series.

- Additional Support: Alex Lodise added a solo home run, contributing to the offensive surge.

Game Summary:

- Early Lead: FSU took the lead with a bases-loaded walk by James Tibbs in the third inning, followed by Ferrer’s solo homer in the fourth.

- Extended Lead: The Seminoles extended their lead with a two-out single by Marco Dinges and a three-run homer by Ferrer in the fifth inning. Lodise’s solo shot in the sixth made it 7-0.

- Virginia’s Response: Virginia scored two runs in the seventh and one in the eighth but couldn’t overcome the deficit.

- Closing the Game: Brennen Oxford pitched the final two innings, securing the victory for FSU.

Coach’s Reflection:

Coach Link Jarrett praised his team’s resilience, highlighting their ability to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss to Tennessee. He emphasized the importance of the team’s defensive plays and the significant contributions from Dorsey and Ferrer.

What’s Next:

FSU will face the loser of the Tennessee-North Carolina game on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. ET in another elimination game, with their season on the line. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

🏈 5-Star WR Kaliq Lockett's Official Visit to FSU 🏈

Florida State hosted five-star wide receiver Kaliq Lockett this weekend, and the visit left a significant impression on the talented recruit. Lockett, who plays at Sachse High School in Texas, is highly sought after, with Texas, Texas A&M, and LSU also in the mix.

Key Highlights from the Visit:

- Impressions of FSU: "I loved the visit. Florida State definitely moved up on my list. They are definitely in contention," Lockett said.

- Coaching Connection: Lockett praised head coach Mike Norvell and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans, emphasizing their relationship-building approach. "Coach Norvell, he's a receiver guru. Him wanting to coach me says a lot about me as a player and me as a person."

- Player Interactions: Lockett spent time with current FSU players Malik Benson, Hykeem Williams, and Jalen Brown, gaining insights into the team dynamics and the welcoming environment for out-of-state players. "Malik Benson told me he loves the position group at Florida State, and he believes they are going to have a breakout season."

- Role in the Offense: Lockett appreciated how FSU’s offense could utilize his versatility, comparing his potential role to that of former FSU WR Keon Coleman. "Seeing how they'd use me in the offense -- getting me to put me in slot, boundary, all that."

- Recruiting Pitch: "Their recruiting pitch was, in my opinion, wasn't recruiting. It's building a relationship. And I feel like I would be successful here."

Recruitment Status and Next Steps:

Lockett will visit Alabama and Texas next, with a commitment decision expected in July or August. "After my Texas visit on Sunday, I'm going to drop my commitment date," he said, hinting that FSU is a strong contender.

Lockett’s official visit to FSU has bolstered the Seminoles’ chances, making them a serious player in his recruitment as he continues to evaluate his options.

You can catch more details here and here.

🏈 Updates Following Visits of Two 4-Star WR Recruits🏈

Florida State welcomed its second wave of summer official visitors this weekend, with two big-time wide receivers taking center stage. Here's a closer look at the top wideout prospects who visited:

4-Star WR Malik Clark

- Profile: 6'2", 180-pound wide receiver from South Carolina

- Recruitment: Recently offered by FSU, closing the gap with schools in his home region

- Visit Highlights: Impressed by FSU's "home feel" and head coach Mike Norvell’s energy. Building a strong relationship with the team.

- Quote: “The way you can come around here and feel like you’re already on the team even if it’s their first time meeting you.”

4-Star WR Joshua Moore

- Profile: Top in-state target from West Broward

- Recruitment: Emerged as one of FSU’s top targets

- Visit Highlights: Loved seeing the personal side of campus life and player bonds. Holds a strong connection with receivers coach Ron Dugans, considering him a father figure. FSU is in his "top list," with a decision expected in July after visiting Georgia.

- Quote: “Our relationship is like if I’m ever struggling, he’ll help me out. … That’s very important to me.”

FSU continues to strengthen its position with these key wide receiver recruits, aiming to build a strong foundation for the future.

(More Details)

🏈 Four-Star LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale's Official Visit to FSU 🏈

Four-star linebacker Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, the top-ranked player in Washington, visited Florida State this weekend, reigniting interest in the Seminoles after a previous commitment to Washington.

Rainey-Sale, accompanied by his mother, was impressed by FSU's strong team bonds and head coach Mike Norvell's genuine connections with players.

Key Highlights from the Visit:

- Visit Impressions: "The visit was amazing. I loved every second of it," Rainey-Sale said. "I loved it here."

- Mother’s Approval: His mother's visit was crucial as she needed to confirm the environment. "She loves it here," Rainey-Sale mentioned.

- Team Dynamics: He was particularly struck by the players' relationships and their bond with Coach Norvell. "His bond with the players is truly there; you could see it when we were at his house," Rainey-Sale noted.

- Personal Connection: "I always had a strong feeling for FSU. I really thought this was supposed to be my place in the first place," he said, emphasizing the good energy with Coach Norvell.

- Commitment Consideration: Despite the distance, Rainey-Sale is willing to make sacrifices for his goals. "It's hard for her. She loves her little baby boy, but I've got to make sacrifices."

Recruitment Status and Next Steps:

Rainey-Sale has a top three of UCLA, Washington, and FSU. He will visit Washington next weekend before making his final decision on July 1.

More on this visit here and here.

🏈 Four-Star CB Jaboree Antoine Visits FSU 🏈

Four-star cornerback and LSU commit Jaboree Antoine visited Florida State this weekend, offering insights into his recruitment journey and FSU’s appeal.

Key Highlights from the Visit:

- Unexpected Energy: Antoine was pleasantly surprised by the energy and culture at FSU. "Really, I didn't expect all the energy from Coach Norvell and the staff," Antoine said. "Just the culture and really the integrity to the game."

- Exploring Options: Despite his commitment to LSU, Antoine is exploring his options and enjoying the process. "I'm just still seeing all my options, enjoying the process because I only get it one time," he noted.

- FSU's Honest Pitch: Antoine appreciated Mike Norvell's straightforward approach. "The biggest thing he said, he's not selling me or recruiting me...he's telling me the real instead of what I want to hear."

- Decision Timeline: Antoine has visited LSU, Miami, and FSU, and these schools are his top three. He plans to make his final decision before his senior season.

Antoine’s Background:

- Rankings: Antoine (6-1, 170) is the No. 136 overall player, No. 17 cornerback, and No. 3 prospect in Louisiana for the 2025 class by 247Sports.com. The 247Sports Composite has him higher at No. 61 overall, No. 6 cornerback, and No. 2 prospect in Louisiana.

- Overcoming Local Ties: As a local product from New Iberia, La., flipping a Louisiana native committed to LSU is challenging, but Antoine remains open to exploring his options.

(More Details)

🏈 Four-Star Safety Jordan Young's Official Visit to FSU 🏈

Background on Jordan Young:

- Rankings: Young is the No. 128 overall prospect and No. 12 safety in the 2025 class by 247Sports. The Composite ranks him No. 70 overall and No. 8 safety.

- Stats: As a junior, he recorded 66 tackles, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and eight receiving touchdowns.

- Scouting: Young is noted for his awareness, range, ball skills, and versatility. He's seen as a potential impact player with multi-year starter upside.

Visit Insights:

- FSU’s Appeal: Young highlighted the campus, coach energy, and player feedback. "The energy from the coaches and the player's feedback stood out. They said the coaches were real and Norvell keeps that energy 24/7."

- Versatility in Play: FSU plans to use Young at all three spots—corner, nickel, and safety. "They said I would be able to play all three spots pretty fast since they're losing a lot of DBs."

- Coaching Connection: Young has a strong bond with Coach Pat Surtain. "That's my guy. We're the closest because we text the most."

- Comparing to Clemson: FSU made a significant impression. "This visit definitely helped a lot. Getting down here...this visit really helped out a lot with that."

- Upcoming Visits: Young is set to visit NC State and Michigan next.

- Commitment Timeline: He has set a commitment date for October 12.

Young's official visit to FSU has certainly positioned the Seminoles as strong contenders alongside perceived favorites, Clemson, in his recruitment process.

(More Details)

And that’s a wrap!

FSU baseball kept the dream alive in the College World Series with a crucial win over Virginia, while the football team impressed top recruits during official visits.

Stay tuned for updates on these exciting developments and more as the Seminoles continue to make strides on and off the field.

As always, Go Noles! 🍢 🏹