Welcome to The Chief Brief!

A warm happy Friday and happy March to you, Seminole!

We had a relatively peaceful day yesterday with the main highlight being the NFL draft combine. Here’s what we’ve got for you to catch you up:

🏐 Seminole Sands Are Sizzling: Dive into the action as FSU Beach Volleyball hosts the Seminole Beach Bash, welcoming top-ranked teams for a weekend of fierce competition.

🌊 Last Chance for NCAA Dreams: FSU's Swimming and Diving teams aim for NCAA qualifications at the Auburn Last Chance Meet, showcasing Seminole standouts and their journey to the top.

🌟 Jaime Ffrench: Future Seminole Icon?: Follow the journey of high school sensation Jaime Ffrench as he makes waves at the Polynesian Bowl and eyes a future possibly at FSU.

🍢 On the Recruiting Trail: Get the inside scoop on FSU's recruitment efforts as top prospects Byron Louis, Ziyare Addison, and Akylin Dear eye the Seminoles for their collegiate careers.

🏈 NFL Combine Showcase: Witness FSU's finest take the NFL Combine by storm, with detailed analyses of their performances and prospects for the draft.

🏐 Seminoles Serve It Up: Beach Volleyball's Home Court Heroics 🏐

This Weekend at the Seminole Sands: Our No. 4 FSU Beach Volleyball team is rolling out the garnet and gold carpet for their first home showdown of the season, the Seminole Beach Bash. The sands are set to sizzle as we host No. 16 Georgia State, No. 17 Stetson, No. 19 Tampa, and ULM.

Victory on the Horizon: Kicking off with a bang, our Seminoles have already swept through the competition at the Dolphin Duels, marking a perfect 3-0 start to the season. All eyes are on juniors Audrey Koenig and Raelyn White, our court one champions, who've set the tone with their stellar performance.

Who's Who in the Bash:

• Tampa's Test: With a 2-2 start and a historic ranking under their belt, the Spartans are hungry for more. Who knew University of Tampa had a team?

• Panthers on the Prowl: Georgia State, also at 2-2, looks to climb higher this weekend.

• Stetson's Streak: Undefeated at 4-0, the Hatters are a force to be reckoned with.

• ULM's Challenge: With a solid 3-1 start, the Warhawks are ready to battle.

Mark Your Calendars: The action heats up Saturday with games all morning from 9AM to 2PM and then final matches on Sunday morning.

🌊 FSU Swimming and Diving: Last Chance for NCAA Dreams 🌊

The No.16/RV Florida State swimming and diving teams are setting their sights on NCAA Championship qualifications at the Auburn Last Chance Meet, happening March 1-2. Fresh off the ACC Championships, five Seminoles are diving back into the pool with hopes of securing their spot at the NCAA Championships later this month.

Competition Details:

• Start Time: Dives into action at 11 a.m. on Friday

• Follow Live: Catch every stroke and flip turn via meet mobile for live results.

Seminole Standouts to Watch:

• Edith Jernstedt: Flying through the water with a season-best in the 200 fly, Jernstedt's current national standing is 35th. With a swift 52.44 in the 100 fly and a powerful 1:55.48 in the 200 fly, she's on the cusp of NCAA qualification. Don't miss her part in the 400 free relay team's provisional standard achievement.

• Julia Mansson: Mansson's breaststroke prowess is on full display, posting the sixth fastest 100 breast time in FSU history at 1:00.37 and ranking 46th nationally in the 200 breast.

• Tommaso Baravelli: Charging through the championships, Baravelli's personal bests in both breaststroke events have him ranked 39th nationally in the 100 and 30th in the 200, making waves in FSU history.

• Jonathan Edwards: Making a splash in the distance events, Edwards' endurance shines in the 1650 free, placing him in the spotlight for NCAA consideration.

• Max Wilson: Wilson's backstroke speed is turning heads, holding the 24th-fastest time nationally in the 100 back and making a significant impact in the 200 back and 200 IM.

Relay Ready: The men's team has qualified all five of its relay teams, while the women's squad has secured spots in the 200 and 400 medley and the 400 free relay. Peter Varjasi stands out with an automatic qualification in the men's 100 breast.

Next Steps: As our swimmers make their final strokes towards NCAA dreams, our divers are gearing up for the NCAA Zone B Championships at the University of Georgia, March 10-13, aiming for their chance to shine on the national stage.

🌟 Jaime Ffrench: A Seminole Star in the Making? 🌟

Jacksonville's Own Jaime Ffrench Lights Up the Polynesian Bowl Roster

In a thrilling update for Seminoles and high school football fans alike, Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin's standout wide receiver Jaime Ffrench is taking his talents to this year's Polynesian Bowl. As a player who has been on FSU's radar for quite some time, Ffrench's commitment to the bowl is a significant nod to his burgeoning legacy in the sport.

Rated as the No. 30 player nationally by Top247 and No. 13 in the 247Sports Composite, Ffrench isn't just a player to watch; he's a force to be reckoned with. His recent "Alpha Dog" honor at the All-American Bowl Combine cements his status as a top-tier talent, showcasing his knack for leaving defenders in the dust and an impressive junior season with 62 receptions, 1,247 yards, and 14 touchdowns.

A Dream Turned Reality

"I'm very pumped and blessed at this opportunity," Ffrench shared, his excitement palpable. With his commitment to the Polynesian Bowl, he joins the ranks of greats who've graced the game, marking a pivotal moment in his football journey. And it's not just the competition he's looking forward to; his first trip to Hawaii promises to be an eye-opener, offering a blend of breathtaking experiences and cultural immersion. "It's going to be a breathtaking experience for me," he enthused, highlighting the unique blend of culture and football that the Polynesian Bowl celebrates.

The Road Ahead

The bowl is only the beginning for Ffrench. After stepping back from an initial commitment to Alabama post-Nick Saban's retirement, the wide receiver's recruitment journey is heating up. With visits planned to LSU, Ohio State, Texas, Tennessee, and a keen eye on FSU for March 23, Ffrench's summer decision looms large.

🍢 Seminoles on the Recruiting Trail: A Trio of Top Prospects Eyeing FSU 🍢

Florida State football's recruiting efforts are heating up as three of the nation's top high school talents consider the Seminoles among their potential college destinations. With visits planned and FSU in the mix for their commitments, let's dive into the latest on these promising recruits.

Byron Louis: Speedster from South Florida Sets Sights on FSU

Byron Louis, a highly touted running back from South Florida, is gaining attention in the 2025 recruiting cycle. With FSU prioritizing talent from the region, Louis has emerged as one of the Seminoles' top targets. Planning seven official visits, Louis has hinted at Miami and FSU likely securing two of those spots.

Louis appreciates the personal touch FSU's staff brings to the table, especially Running Backs Coach David 'YAC' Johnson. Head Coach Mike Norvell has made it clear to Louis that he's not just wanted for his on-field prowess but also his leadership and character off the field.

This recruitment battle seems to be a tight race among Ohio State, FSU, and Miami, with FSU needing to leverage both spring and summer visits to stay competitive.

Ziyare Addison: Offensive Lineman with Seminole Ties

Ziyare Addison, a four-star offensive tackle from Riverview, FL, has long been on FSU's radar, having attended FSU's Big Man camp early in his career. Now a coveted lineman, Addison has set official visits, including one to FSU on June 21.

Despite numerous offers, FSU's early interest and repeated campus visits have made a significant impression on Addison. However, competition remains fierce, with Clemson and Oregon also vying for his commitment.

Addison's potential and character make him a prime target for FSU. The Seminoles are in a strong position but must navigate Clemson's early official visit and ensure Addison makes it to FSU for his scheduled visit without committing elsewhere.

Akylin Dear: A Running Back with Options

Akylin Dear, one of the nation's top running backs, has narrowed his choices to twelve, with FSU making the cut. Dear's skill set and physicality draw comparisons to Derrick Henry, and his versatility makes him a coveted recruit across the country.

With Ole Miss making a strong push for Dear, FSU will need to leverage its own strengths and relationships to stand out among his top choices.

FSU's Recruiting Strategy: As FSU continues to court these top talents, the Seminoles' recruiting strategy focuses on building personal connections, showcasing the program's family atmosphere, and emphasizing the potential for early impact on the field.

🏈 Seminoles Shine at 2024 NFL Combine 🏈

The path to the NFL Draft has taken a significant turn for twelve Florida State standouts as they showcase their skills at the 2024 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. Here's a glimpse into how the Seminoles are faring, highlighting their measurements, testing results, and where they stand in the rigorous evaluation process:

EDGE Jared Verse

• Measurements: 6'3 7/8", 254 lbs, 9 7/8" hands, 33.5" arm length, 79.5" wingspan

• Testing Highlights:

  • 35" vertical jump (71st percentile)

  • 10' 7" broad jump (93rd percentile)

  • 4.58s 40-yard dash (91st percentile)

• Analysis: Verse's performance has been stellar, particularly in the broad jump and 40-yard dash, showcasing his explosive athleticism and speed on the edge.

DT Braden Fiske

• Measurements: 6'3 5/8", 292 lbs, 9 3/8" hands, 31.0" arm length, 76.75" wingspan

• Testing Highlights:

  • 33.5" vertical jump, 9' 9" broad jump (tops among DTs)

  • 4.78s 40-yard dash (97th percentile)

• Analysis: Fiske's testing results were impressive across the board, setting the bar high for his defensive tackle peers with exceptional athleticism.

DT Fabien Lovett

• Measurements: 6'3 7/8", 314 lbs, 10 3/8" hands, 35.5" arm length, 83.12" wingspan

• Analysis: Lovett boasts remarkable size and length for an interior defender, standing out with his arm length and wingspan in the top percentile of his position group.

LB Kalen DeLoach

• Measurements: 5'11 4/8", 210 lbs, 8.62" hands, 31.5" arm length, 74.88" wingspan

• Testing Highlights:

  • 9' 11" broad jump (68th percentile)

  • 4.47s 40-yard dash (95th percentile)

• Analysis: Despite a smaller frame, DeLoach's speed is exceptional, clocking one of the fastest 40-times among linebackers, showcasing his range and coverage capabilities.

LB Tatum Bethune

• Measurements: 5'11 4/8", 229 lbs, 10" hands, 32.38" arm length, 78.25" wingspan

• Analysis: Bethune's physical attributes, including notable hand size and wingspan, suggest a versatile linebacker capable of engaging effectively in both the run and pass game.

From explosive jumps to lightning-fast sprints, FSU's athletes are turning heads and climbing draft boards. As we continue to track their performances, it's clear that the road to the NFL is paved in garnet and gold.

And that’s a wrap!

As we close this edition, we've soared from the Seminole Sands to the NFL Combine, showcasing the boundless talent of FSU.

Remember, whether on the beach, in the pool, or on the field, Seminole spirit knows no bounds.

🍢 Go Noles! 🌟