🏹 October 10th 2023 - The Chief Brief 🏹

Welcome to another exhilarating edition of The Chief Brief, where the spotlight is fervently shining on the Florida State Seminoles, reflecting a picture of both present-day triumphs and promising future prospects.

In this edition, we delve into the Seminoles' stellar performances that earned them ACC Player of the Week Honors, unveil the exciting dynamics of FSU's recruiting endeavors, and share insights from Head Coach Mike Norvell post the Virginia Tech triumph and as we eye the Syracuse showdown.

From the roaring stands of Doak Campbell Stadium to the buzzing recruitment trail, the Seminole spirit is riding high and shows no sign of slowing down! As we navigate through these riveting narratives, we extend a special shoutout to our sponsor The Gnarly Barley, whose support fuels our passion for delivering the thrilling tales of FSU football right to your inbox!

A Dual Recognition: Seminoles Shine in ACC Player of The Week Honors

In the wake of a decisive 39-17 victory over Virginia Tech, two Seminoles have emerged in the spotlight, garnering ACC Player of The Week Honors. The dynamic duo of running back Trey Benson and left tackle Darius Washington have brought home the accolades, with the former being named ACC Running Back of the Week and the latter clinching the title of ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week.

Trey Benson, the redshirt junior hailing from Greenville, Mississippi, showcased a performance that was nothing short of stellar. He galloped through the Hokies' defense for a whopping 200 yards and two touchdowns on a mere 11 carries. This feat propelled him into the record books, establishing a new school record with a breathtaking 18.2 yards per carry (given a minimum of 10 rushes). This outing marked a career pinnacle for Benson, registering the most rushing yards by a Seminole since the days of Dalvin Cook in 2016.

Benson's exhilarating display continued post halftime, as he blasted through the field for a 62-yard touchdown on the Noles' second play. He wasn't done yet; an 85-yard touchdown followed in the fourth quarter, marking the longest run by a Nole since 2021. These electrifying runs weren't just the longest of Benson's career but also the longest plays for FSU this season. The last Seminole to achieve multiple 60-yard rushing touchdowns in a single game was Chris Thompson against Wake Forest in 2012. Benson’s 85-yard dash not only stands as the longest in the ACC this season but also ranks third longest nationally.

On the other hand, Darius Washington, the redshirt junior from Pensacola, Florida, celebrated his 30th career start, with 16 of those at left tackle, by ensuring a fortress-like protection for his teammates. Washington played a pivotal role in the Seminoles' offensive line, which allowed the running backs to amass an average of 7.8 yards per carry, accumulating 282 yards on 36 rushes. The teamwork of Benson and Lawrance Toafili was evident as they combined for 250 rushing yards without a single tackle for loss. Toafili contributed a 28-yard touchdown run, his first of the year, to the scorecard.

Washington's impeccable blocking also provided a secure pocket for quarterback Jordan Travis, who delivered a remarkable performance, completing 75 percent of his passes, throwing two touchdowns with zero interceptions.

This victory, driving No. 4 Florida State to a 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the ACC, marks the Seminoles' best start since 2015. As the Seminoles gear up to host Syracuse this coming Saturday at noon on ABC, the stellar performances of Benson and Washington resonate as a testament to the burgeoning prowess of FSU's offensive lineup.

Be sure to catch the Seminoles as they endeavor to continue their undefeated streak this weekend! For more details on the players' performances and the upcoming game, click here.

FSU's Recruiting Momentum: Gaining Traction with Top Prospects

This past weekend marked a pivotal moment as Florida State hosted numerous recruits, notably during their triumph over Virginia Tech. The spotlight fell on four-star defensive lineman LJ McCray and five-star defensive back commit KJ Bolden, among others, who were treated to the raucous atmosphere of a sold-out Doak Campbell Stadium.

LJ McCray's Official Visit: The Seminoles had the opportunity to make a lasting impression on one of their top uncommitted targets, LJ McCray, who wrapped up his official visit this past Sunday. The visit seemed to exceed McCray's expectations as he got to immerse himself in the game-day atmosphere and further his relationships with the players and coaching staff away from the football facility. McCray's focus was particularly on the defensive line's performance during the game, appreciating the Seminoles' knack for creating mismatches on the field. McCray, now moving into decision-making mode, plans to announce his college choice sometime after his birthday on October 18. The competition is stiff with Florida, Georgia, Miami, and Auburn also in the running, but the Seminoles have evidently left a strong impression on the Daytona Beach standout.

KJ Bolden's Return to Tally: Five-star defensive back commit KJ Bolden, already a familiar figure among the Seminole faithful, made his first return to Tallahassee since his commitment in August. The visit reassured the strength of Bolden's pledge despite his exploratory visits to Georgia and Auburn earlier this season. There's also a buzz around Bolden potentially joining the FSU football team for bowl practices in December, marking an exciting prospect for both the player and the team.

Surprise Visitor Solomon Thomas: In a delightful twist, five-star 2025 offensive lineman Solomon Thomas diverted his plans from attending Florida's game against Vanderbilt to showing up in Tallahassee. His presence, alongside several family members, underscores the recruiting pull FSU maintains over top targets in the upcoming classes.

2025's Promising Prospects: The Seminoles are also laying the groundwork for future classes with a focus on the 2025 recruiting class. Defensive linemen Jalen Wiggins, Amare Adams, and Isaiah Gibson were among the notable visitors over the weekend. The Seminoles are keen on nurturing relationships with these talents early on, especially as they face stiff competition from other in-state programs.

Ongoing Recruitment Efforts: The recruitment trail is bustling with activity as FSU also eyes prospects like three-star edge rusher Jordan Boyd and four-star running back Taevion Swint, among others. The steady communication and personalized approach by head coach Mike Norvell and his staff signify a robust recruitment strategy aiming to capitalize on the current momentum.

As the Seminoles gear up for their match against Syracuse, the recruitment activities may slow down a tad due to the noon kickoff. However, the Duke game the following week already promises a rich visitor list, hinting at continuous efforts to woo top talents to Tallahassee.

With every successful game and each positive visit experience, the Seminoles are not just inching closer to reclaiming their spot among the college football elites; they are also crafting a promising narrative that resonates with the recruits dreaming of a grand stage to showcase their prowess. The diligent work behind the scenes coupled with the roaring success on the field is weaving a compelling story that's hard for recruits to ignore.

Stay updated on the Seminoles' recruiting journey and the narratives of individual recruits by following the links here and here.

Norvell Interview: VT Win, Eyeing Syracuse, & Winston Wright Jr.

In his Monday press conference, Head Coach Mike Norvell of the Florida State Seminoles delved into their triumphant 39-17 win over Virginia Tech, briefly discussed the departure of Winston Wright Jr., and previewed the challenges that lie ahead with Syracuse. The victory cements Florida State's 5-0 start to the 2023 season and propels them towards their next match at the Doak Campbell Stadium.

Talking about the Virginia Tech game, Norvell was widely impressed with the speed and execution displayed at the outset, however, acknowledged some hiccups during the second quarter. Despite a rocky start to the second half, he commended the resilience showcased by his players. He emphasized the tenacity of the front-line defenders and praised the likes of Keon Coleman, Trey Benson, and other players for their fierce performances.

Discussing the injuries, Norvell shared an optimistic prognosis for Johnny Wilson, assuring reporters that his condition is improving day by day. Keeping his updates brief, he continued down the roster, sharing updates on Ja'Khi Douglas and Kentron Poitier's return and how they added depth to the receiver position. Norvell also touched on the evolving maturity of the young players getting early playing time, like Blake Nicholson and Omar Graham Jr.

The conversation moved onto Syracuse, where Norvell identified the experienced quarterback and their new aggressive defensive coordinator as posing challenges for the upcoming game. He made a point of their productive pass rush, their offensive personnel, and the threat they present in the run game and passing game.

Finally, Norvell addressed the departure of Winston Wright Jr., and while details were scant, he wished him well and emphasized his respect and love for Winston. Despite the challenges his squad is facing, Norvell radiates confidence and optimism, reminding everyone that every game is a chance to improve and develop a stronger team.

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As we relive the thunderous runs by Trey Benson and the promising recruiting prospects like LJ McCray and KJ Bolden in this edition, the future of Seminole football appears luminous. Each game, each recruit visit, and each accolade adds a vibrant stroke to the Seminoles' canvas. As we await the clash with Syracuse, the tale of triumph continues to unfold. Stay connected with all things Seminole by following us on Instagram. Until our next edition, let the garnet and gold fervor shine bright!