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- 🏹 June 24th - The Chief Brief 🏹
🏹 June 24th - The Chief Brief 🏹
Terebo's Olympic Dream, Recruits Solidify Commitments, and Top Prospects Visit Tallahassee
Other head coaches would have their staff do this, not Mike Norvell
— Barstool FSU (@FSU_Barstool)
10:09 PM • Jun 21, 2024
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Happy Monday Seminole!
Here’s today’s Brief:
🌊 Emma Terebo Qualifies for Olympics at French Elite Championships 🌊
Former FSU swimmer Emma Terebo secures her spot in the 2024 Olympics by winning gold in two backstroke events, setting a new French national record in the 100-meter backstroke. Terebo competed for FSU from 2017-21, holding three top 10 times in program history.
🏈 Thomas and Hilson Lock in FSU Commitments, Shutting Down Recruitment 🏈
Five-star offensive lineman Solomon Thomas and four-star defensive end (#1 nationally) Javion Hilson reaffirm their commitments to FSU, emphasizing the program’s coaching, culture, and sense of home.
🏈 Tramell Jones Jr. Set to Finalize Commitment 🏈
Long-time FSU quarterback commit Tramell Jones Jr. hints at a public declaration soon, solidifying his commitment and focusing on recruiting other top talent to join him at FSU.
⭐️ Five-Star Recruits Haywood and Petty Impressed with FSU Visits ⭐️
Ty Haywood and Josh Petty, both five-star offensive linemen, express satisfaction with their FSU visits, highlighting the program’s rapid rise, strong relationships with coaches, and academic offerings.
🏈 FSU Hosts Top Recruits in Packed Weekend of Visits 🏈
FSU impresses several top recruits, including four-star DB Zae Thomas, DT Kevin Wynn, OL Peyton Joseph, WR Vernell Brown III, WR Daylan McCutcheon, LB Tavion Wallace, and TE Hollis Davidson. Many recruits praised the family atmosphere and coaching staff, with several nearing their final decisions.
🌊 Emma Terebo Qualifies for Olympics at French Elite Championships 🌊
Olympic Achievement: Former FSU swimmer Emma Terebo secured her spot in the 2024 Olympic Games by winning gold in two backstroke events at the French Elite Championships.
Record-Breaking Performance: Terebo set a new French national record in the 100-meter backstroke with a time of 58.79, the ninth-fastest in the world this year.
Additional Victories: She also won the 200-meter backstroke (2:08.53) and placed third in the 50-meter back (27.90), qualifying for her first Olympics.
FSU Legacy: Terebo competed for FSU from 2017-21, participating in three NCAA Championships and holding three top 10 times in program history. She also led the women's 200 free relay team to a program record in 2017.
International Experience: Terebo represented France at the 2022 and 2023 World Aquatics Championships, finishing fifth in the 100 back and 12th in the 200 back in 2022.
FSU Olympic Representation: Terebo is the first FSU swimmer to represent France at the Olympics, joining 27 athletes from FSU swimming and diving who have made the Games, representing 20 countries. FSU athletes have participated in every Games since 1996 and also in 1972, 1976, 1980, and 1988.
Olympic Swimming Schedule: The swimming events at the Olympics will begin on July 27 at the Paris La Defense Arena.
🏈 Thomas and Hilson Lock in FSU Commitments, Shutting Down Recruitment 🏈
Florida State achieved a significant milestone by firming up the commitments of five-star offensive lineman Solomon Thomas and four-star defensive end Javion Hilson, who both announced they are shutting down their recruitments.
Solomon Thomas
The No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the nation reaffirmed his commitment after visits to LSU and Florida. Highlighting the coaching and culture at FSU, Thomas stated, "I mean, just coming back home and really understanding, or being reminded of why I chose this place in the first place."
Quotes from Thomas:
"There’s nothing left to see. I’m a ‘Nole."
"It's 100% real. It’s not, ‘Oh, I’m getting paid a certain amount of money.’ Because I can go somewhere else and make way more money than what they’re giving me. It’s not about that. It’s about the coaching and it’s about the culture."
"Coach Atkins and Coach Norvell at the offensive line position don't have the biggest names that are being drafted. Well, coming out of high school they weren't the biggest names, but through the development of the Florida State football team, they're given opportunities that they never would have imagined being able to have."
Javion Hilson
The top-ranked defensive end prospect solidified his decision after visits to Florida, Texas, and UCF. Emphasizing the sense of home he feels at FSU, Hilson shared, "It feels great. I could've gone to any school in the world. But here, it always felt like home since my sophomore year."
Quotes from Hilson:
"I’m shutting down my recruitment and sticking with Florida State."
"Here, it always felt like home since my sophomore year. Day 1, it was the place for me. I love the defensive scheme they run and everything. They've got first-rounders at my position."
"We were just talking about that. After this visit, I'm shutting down my recruitment. Just sticking with Florida State. No more visits."
Recruiting Impact
Thomas: Ranked No. 14 overall, Thomas' commitment significantly strengthens FSU's offensive line prospects.
Hilson: Ranked No. 40 overall, Hilson's decision bolsters FSU's defensive front, promising continued strength in defensive plays.
Both recruits praised FSU's coaching staff and the program's culture, emphasizing relationships and development as key factors in their decisions. Their commitments are expected to boost FSU’s standing in the 2025 recruiting class rankings.
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🏈 Tramell Jones Jr. Set to Finalize Commitment 🏈
Long-time FSU quarterback commit Tramell Jones Jr. is nearing the end of his recruitment journey. Following his official visit to Florida State, Jones Jr. hinted that a public declaration would come soon, potentially shutting down any speculation about a flip to the Florida Gators.
Jones' Comments on the Visit:
“Everybody that was here. We had a group here. Crazy experience in the field with all those guys, crazy experience off the field, just being able to cherish those moments. It was great.”
“I was coming after everybody this weekend. Really just showing the love, showing the family qualities that we have at Florida State. Showing how real we are. Showing how we develop at the next level and get to the NFL.”
“They loved it. My family loved it. They loved every part of it. They loved Coach Norvell, they loved everybody in the building. I think this was like breathtaking for them to be honest.”
“It was really good. Just talking to him, it's really just the consistency, how real he is with me. The reassurance, pretty much everything that goes into coach Norvell and us talking, it was just a great meeting.”
Jones' Recruitment Journey:
Commitment: Initially committed to FSU in April 2023.
Speculation: Unofficial visits to Florida have raised questions, but Jones maintains his commitment to FSU.
Role: Focused on recruiting other players during his visit, particularly four-star WR Vernell Brown, highlighting FSU’s family-oriented environment.
Performance and Potential:
Elite 11: Jones’ performance at the Elite 11 boosted his profile, solidifying him as a strong prospect.
Scouting Report: Known for his mechanics, quick release, and accuracy. Needs to improve on protecting the football and reducing high-risk throws.
Future Announcement:
Timeline: Jones plans to make a public statement about his commitment in the coming week, following one more camp and a 7-on-7 event.
Jones' commitment to Florida State, if publicly reaffirmed, would solidify the Seminoles' 2025 recruiting class and provide stability at the quarterback position. His recruitment efforts also bode well for attracting other top talent to Tallahassee.
⭐️ Five-Star Recruits Haywood and Petty Impressed with FSU Visits ⭐️
Ty Haywood:
Denton (Texas) Ryan five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood visited FSU and expressed satisfaction with the program. Haywood, ranked as the No. 2 offensive tackle, appreciated the genuine connections with coaches Alex Atkins and Mike Norvell. He noted the rapid rise of FSU's program and highlighted its strength in both athletics and academics. FSU is among his top choices alongside Alabama and Oklahoma, with a decision expected before his senior season.
Quotes:
"Florida State is a great school, it is a great program and I like the coaches a lot."
"Coach Alex Atkins and coach Mike Norvell are great guys. Coach Atkins is easy to talk to, we have a good relationship and he is fun to be around. He was telling me this weekend to go to the best place for me, but to pick Florida State."
Josh Petty:
Roswell (Ga.) five-star offensive lineman Josh Petty, ranked as the No. 2 interior offensive lineman, also visited FSU. Petty’s sister attending FSU played a significant role in his favorable view of the school. Petty praised FSU's strength training, nutrition programs, and business school. He valued the relationships with coaches, especially Alex Atkins and Mike Norvell. Petty plans to decide by August, considering FSU alongside Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Stanford, and Tennessee.
Quotes:
"Florida State has always been one of those schools. I can see myself going here for sure. My sister is here -- so that helps a lot."
"That man has some freaking energy. We need to bottle it up, shake it up, give it out to people on the street because he's got something going with them and he gets people fired up."
Scouting Reports:
Haywood:
Strengths: Stout, long-armed with great frame potential. Quick feet, quick hands, and anchoring ability. Excellent in drive-blocking and finishing blocks.
Areas for Improvement: Needs more consistent hand placement and extension.
Projection: Multi-year starter with NFL Draft potential.
Petty:
Strengths: High-level offensive tackle prospect with size, length, and two-way versatility. Shows quickness and aggression in blocking.
Areas for Improvement: Needs consistent pass-protection measures.
Projection: Multi-year starter with early-round NFL Draft upside.
🏈 FSU Hosts Top Recruits in Packed Weekend of Visits 🏈
Zae Thomas (4-Star):
Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage DB Zae Thomas had a "great" visit, highlighting the energy and love from FSU's staff, particularly DB coach Pat Surtain. Thomas, deciding between FSU and Clemson, appreciated seeing more of Tallahassee and the non-football aspects of the university. He is set to announce his decision on June 30.
Quotes:
"Coach Norvell has that good energy all the time."
"Surtain is like an uncle to me. He's known me since the 3rd grade."
Kevin Wynn:
Four-star DT Kevin Wynn from Greensboro, Ga., enjoyed his visit, emphasizing the familial atmosphere. Wynn, who took official visits to Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina, felt at home at FSU. A decision seems imminent.
Quotes:
"It was fantastic, man. Great visit."
"Everything is so genuine here. It feels like home."
Peyton Joseph:
Four-star OL Peyton Joseph from Warner Robins, Ga., will decide between FSU and Memphis on July 4. Joseph, a former Florida commit, valued his long-term relationship with FSU OL coach Alex Atkins.
Quotes:
"My official visit was awesome."
"Coach Norvell say I want to coach you."
Vernell Brown III:
Orlando (Fla.) Jones WR Vernell Brown III praised FSU's people and family vibe. Brown, considering Ohio State, Florida, and Miami, plans to decide before his senior season.
Quotes:
"Coach Norvell is one of the realist head coaches in college football."
“Being that playmaker that can move all around in the offense."
Daylan McCutcheon:
Lucas (Texas) Lovejoy WR Daylan McCutcheon enjoyed his FSU visit, appreciating the hospitality and connections. McCutcheon, deciding between SMU, Ohio State, USC, and Texas, aims to announce in July.
Quotes:
"It was a great OV overall."
"Main highlights for me was being able to hang out with the players."
Tavion Wallace:
Jesup (Ga.) Wayne County LB Tavion Wallace, deciding on July 2, found the visit to FSU "amazing." Wallace, who also visited Georgia, Florida, and Arkansas, values the consistency from FSU's staff.
Quotes:
"I told coach Norvell, I said that I had to end it off with this one to end it off with a blast."
"The love has been the same. They're just being real."
Hollis Davidson:
Peachtree City (Ga.) McIntosh TE Hollis Davidson felt more comfortable with FSU after his official visit. Davidson, who decommitted from Auburn, will decide between FSU, Florida, and Auburn in July.
Quotes:
- "It was great. I loved my time back at Florida State."
- "I feel like I can fit in and I can see myself being on the team."
FSU made significant impressions on these top recruits, strengthening relationships and solidifying its standing as a top destination for elite talent.
And that’s a wrap!
This weekend was filled with exciting developments, from Emma Terebo's Olympic qualification to crucial recruits solidifying their commitments to the Noles. We also saw strong impressions made on several five-star recruits during a huge recruiting weekend.
Until next time, keep climbing and supporting our Seminoles!
Go Noles! 🍢 🏹
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