🏹 October 23rd - The Chief Brief 🏹

Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🎉

Hello, Seminoles faithfull! We're back with another exhilarating edition, packed with the latest and greatest from the world of FSU. So, grab your garnet and gold gear, and let's dive right in!

🌟 Armondo Blount's Big Move: The recruiting scene is buzzing, and it's all thanks to Armondo Blount's game-changing flip from the Hurricanes to the Seminoles. Dive deep into the reasons behind this monumental decision and what it means for FSU's future.

⚽ Soccer Sensations: The FSU Women's Soccer team is making history! Relive their dominant performance against Duke and their journey to clinching the ACC Regular Season Championship for the second time in a row.

🏈 Football Forecast: The Seminoles are on fire, holding the coveted #4 spot in the rankings. But what lies ahead? Get the lowdown on their upcoming clash with Wake Forest and what it means for their undefeated streak.

🏐 Volleyball Victory: The FSU Women's Volleyball team is on a roll, sweeping Syracuse in their recent matchup. Discover the highlights of the game and what's next for this formidable team.

But that's not all! Before you immerse yourself in these gripping narratives, a big shoutout to our sponsor, The Gnarly Barley. Elevate your game day experience with their delectable offerings. Check them out and treat yourself to something special!

Alright, Seminoles fans, let's dive into today's stories and celebrate the triumphs of our beloved teams! 🚀

Five-Star Armondo Blount Flips Commitment to Florida State and Reclassifies to 2024 Class

In a significant development on the recruiting front, five-star defensive lineman Armondo Blount has announced his decision to flip his commitment from the Miami Hurricanes to the Florida State Seminoles. This announcement came after Blount's weekend visit to Florida State.

Blount, who hails from Miami Central, had initially committed to the Hurricanes earlier this year. However, the persistent efforts of the Seminoles' coaching staff and Blount's continued interest in FSU led to this monumental shift. The elite recruit took to social media to make his commitment official.

One of the key factors influencing Blount's decision is his admiration for FSU's veteran defensive tackles coach, Odell Haggins. Blount expressed his confidence in Haggins' ability to develop players for the NFL. He stated, "Because coach Odell [Haggins], he puts out the most D-lineman in the NFL for college coaches on the D-line. I feel like that would be the best fit for me."

Blount's decision was also influenced by his experiences during FSU's games, especially the game against LSU in Orlando. He was particularly impressed by the Seminoles' defensive line's performance and the development of players under Haggins.

Additionally, Blount has decided to reclassify to the 2024 class. This decision stems from the fact that this year marks his fourth year of varsity high school football, having played varsity in the eighth grade. Eager to embark on his college journey, Blount mentioned, "I'm just ready to move on and start my new journey." He is set to join the FSU campus in Tallahassee as a mid-year enrollee in January.

Blount's commitment is a significant boost for the Seminoles, solidifying their position in the recruiting landscape. As for his future plans, Blount stated that while he might explore other campuses, his recruitment is firmly locked in with FSU.

This move by Blount is a testament to the relentless efforts of the FSU coaching staff and the appealing prospects the Seminoles offer to young talents. With Blount's addition, the future looks promising for Florida State's defensive lineup.

FSU Women's Soccer Dominates Duke, Clinches ACC Regular Season Championship

The Florida State University women's soccer team showcased their dominance once again, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over Duke. This win not only solidified their top position but also ensured that they clinched at least a share of the ACC Regular Season Championship. This achievement marks a historic moment for the Seminoles as it's the first time in the school's history that they've won back-to-back ACC Regular Season Championships.

The match, held at Koskinen Stadium in Durham, N.C., saw the No. 1 ranked Seminoles maintain their undefeated streak this season, improving their record to 13-0-1. Their performance against Atlantic Coast Conference opponents has been particularly impressive, boasting an 8-0-1 record.

The game's first goal was netted in the 29th minute, courtesy of Kaitlyn Zipay, who capitalized on a brilliant assist from Jordynn Dudley. The Seminoles' momentum continued into the second half, with Onyi Echegini scoring twice, once with a header and then with a remarkable shot from just beyond the 18-yard box. Taylor Huff also made her mark, scoring the fourth goal for FSU. This goal was significant as it broke the school record for the most goals in ACC play throughout a 10-game schedule, bringing the tally to 31 goals, surpassing the previous record of 30.

Goalkeeper Cristina Roque had a standout performance, recording her seventh shutout of the season. This win also marked her 50th career win, making her the third Seminole to achieve this milestone, joining the ranks of Kelsey Wys and Cassie Miller.

The Seminoles have been formidable on the road, finishing the regular season with a 7-0-1 record, marking the first time since 2014 that they've remained unbeaten on the road.

Looking ahead, the Seminoles are set to play their regular season finale against NC State at the Seminole Soccer Complex. This match holds significant importance as FSU aims to clinch the outright ACC Regular Season Championship and finish the regular season undefeated, a feat never before achieved in the school's history. The game will also serve as a special occasion, celebrating the contributions of 10 senior players.

With their eyes set on further glory, the Seminoles are undoubtedly a team to watch as they continue their journey in the ACC Tournament and beyond.

FSU's Weekend of Recruiting Revelations

While the weekend's headline undoubtedly centered around Armondo Blount's sensational flip to the Seminoles, the recruiting trail was teeming with other significant news. From committed recruits solidifying their allegiance to potential prospects expressing their admiration, the Seminoles left a lasting impression on and off the field. In this article, we delve into some of the most noteworthy visits from this electric weekend.

Recruiting Targets:

Solomon Thomas: The 2025 cycle holds promise for FSU, and Jacksonville Raines’ four-star offensive lineman, Solomon Thomas, could be a pivotal piece. Fresh from his visit, Thomas was effusive about the Seminoles, especially praising the coaching staff and the game atmosphere. He highlighted FSU's resilience during the game and his strong bond with offensive line coach Alex Atkins. While Thomas remains non-committal about his decision timeline, FSU clearly holds a special place in his heart.

D'Nas White: D'Nas White, a top target for FSU's interior defensive line, was back in Tallahassee and was notably impressed by the game's atmosphere. He appreciated the defensive line's relentless spirit and shared that FSU and Tennessee are the frontrunners in his recruitment.

Ousmane Kromah: Four-star RB Ousmane Kromah, a top offensive priority for FSU, was in Tallahassee and was particularly impressed by FSU's offensive scheme. He praised Coach Norvell and the running backs, emphasizing the team's shared carries approach.

The Seminoles continue to make significant strides in recruiting, and this weekend was a testament to their efforts. With committed recruits reaffirming their decisions and potential prospects showing interest, the future is looking bright for FSU.

Committed Recruits:

Charles Lester: Five-star DB commitment Charles Lester is eagerly counting down the days until he joins the Seminoles. After witnessing FSU's victory over Duke, Lester is more committed than ever. He was particularly impressed by the crowd's energy and the team's ability to rally after a slow start. While he's set on FSU, Lester plans to enjoy his high school experience with a few more game visits.

Lawayne McCoy: Four-star athlete Lawayne McCoy from Miami Central returned to FSU and was captivated by the game's atmosphere. He admired the Seminoles' tenacity, especially their comeback spirit. McCoy also highlighted his growing relationship with Coach Dugans and expressed openness to playing on both sides of the ball.

KJ Bolden: FSU's top-ranked 2024 commitment, KJ Bolden, returned to witness the Seminoles' prime-time victory. He commended the team's ability to bounce back and was particularly impressed by the game's atmosphere. While other schools are still reaching out, Bolden remains steadfast in his commitment to FSU.

Luke Kromenhoek: Five-star 2024 QB commitment Luke Kromenhoek is exploring the possibility of joining the team even earlier than expected. He was in awe of the game's environment and remains 100% committed to FSU. Despite other schools reaching out, Kromenhoek's heart is set on the Seminoles.

Florida State Football: What's Next for the Undefeated Seminoles?

After a commanding victory over Duke, propelling them to a 7-0 record, the Florida State Seminoles are gearing up for their next challenge against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The Seminoles, currently holding the No. 4 spot in both the AP Top 25 and USA Today Coaches Poll, are off to their best start in nine years.

Despite their impressive win over a ranked Duke team, the Seminoles remain behind the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes in the rankings. The Buckeyes managed to secure a 20-12 victory over the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions, maintaining their slight edge over FSU. The margin is indeed narrow, with Ohio State leading by 46 points in the AP and 33 points in the Coaches Poll.

As for the upcoming matchup, FSU is set to face Wake Forest this Saturday with a noon kickoff. The Seminoles opened as a 21-point favorite, according to SportsLine Consensus, although that line has seen a slight drop to 19 points. Wake Forest, currently standing at 4-3 overall and 1-3 in ACC play, recently secured a 21-17 victory over Pittsburgh, even with their third-string QB at the helm.

It's worth noting that while FSU leads the all-time series against Wake with a 30-9 record, they've faced challenges in recent encounters. The Seminoles have lost three consecutive games to the Demon Deacons, including a 31-21 defeat last year.

With FSU's 13-game undefeated streak on the line and the team's ambition to climb higher in the rankings, this weekend's game promises to be an exciting showdown. The Seminoles will be looking to break the recent trend against Wake Forest and continue their march towards a potential ACC championship and beyond.

Florida State Volleyball Continues Dominance with Sweep Over Syracuse

The Florida State Seminoles Women's Volleyball team continues to showcase their prowess on the court, securing their 10th victory in the last 11 matches. The Seminoles dominated Syracuse in a 3-0 sweep (25-12, 26-24, 25-19) during their annual "Paint it Pink" match held at Tully Gym on Sunday afternoon.

With this victory, the Seminoles improve their record to an impressive 15-7 overall and 9-1 in ACC play. This marks their best 10-match start to conference play since the 2018 season.

The match was a team effort, with all 15 active student-athletes getting some court time. Junior right-side hitter Skye Ekes, freshman right-side hitter Maddie Snider, and junior middle blocker Kiari Robey stood out, each contributing five kills for FSU. The team's offensive efficiency was evident as they attacked at a .272 clip. Defensively, they were just as formidable, holding the struggling Orange (2-18, 0-10) to a .000 hitting percentage, with Syracuse recording 26 kills to their 26 hitting errors.

The Seminoles' defensive prowess was further highlighted by their 13 team blocks during the match. Ekes and junior Khori Louis led the defensive efforts with four blocks each. On the assist front, Jelli Draskovic was the standout with 15 assists, supported by Kenna Phelan with 11 and Ashley Reynolds adding two.

The second set proved to be a nail-biter. With the score tied at 24-24, thanks to a service ace by Syracuse, the Noles managed to capitalize on a service error by the Orange, taking the lead at 25-24. An ensuing attack error by Syracuse sealed the second set in favor of FSU.

The Seminoles maintained their momentum into the third set, hitting an impressive .333. Senior Sydney Conley made her presence felt with three crucial kills in the set.

Looking ahead, the Seminoles are gearing up for a challenging road trip. They will face off against the No. 5 ranked Louisville on Friday, Oct. 27, with the match set to begin at 7 p.m. Following that, they'll square off against Notre Dame on Sunday at 1 p.m. in South Bend, Ind.

Closing Out This Edition of The Chief Brief! 🎉

What a day for Seminole sports! From the recruiting trail to the volleyball court, FSU continues to make headlines. We hope you found this edition both informative and exhilarating.

Don't forget, the Seminole spirit lives on beyond these pages! Connect with us on Instagram and be part of the ongoing FSU chatter.

Catch you in the next Chief Brief! Goodbye for now! 👋📰