🏹 October 7th 2023 - The Chief Brief 🏹

Good morning, ‘Nole Family! The sun is rising over Tallahassee, it's game day at Doak Campbell Stadium - here's to a victorious day for the Seminoles! 🏈

Hello Seminole Faithful! In today’s edition of The Chief Brief, we dive into the heart of Seminole recruitment, snap counts, and a closer gaze at today's gridiron clash against the Hokies. Before the action unfolds, fuel up at The Gnarly Barley, our cherished sponsor, where the brews mirror the bold Seminole spirit. Now, let’s march into the stories!

Seminoles' Recruitment Rundown

The No. 5 Seminoles are back in action today at 3:30 p.m., against Virginia Tech. But as the clock ticks down to this gridiron clash, there's an undercurrent of excitement off the field too. It's not just about touchdowns and tackles; it's about the future of FSU football.

McCray's Moment in Tallahassee LJ McCray, the five-star defensive dynamo from Daytona Beach Mainland, is making waves with what might be his final official visit. The Seminoles are in the thick of it, battling it out with the likes of Georgia, Auburn, Miami, and the rumored favorite, Florida. But here's the kicker: FSU's stellar season start and the Gators' recent hiccups might just give the Seminoles an edge.

The QB Conundrum The quarterback carousel is in full swing at FSU. Luke Kromenhoek (2024) and Tramell Jones (2025) are already on the guest list. But the whispers are all about Carter Smith, the four-star 2025 QB. Could he be the second QB recruit for the 2025 class? And while Julian Lewis (2026) was expected to join the party, he's now set his sights on the Kentucky-Georgia game, though FSU is still on his calendar for a fall visit.

A Cavalcade of Talent:

• Offense Onslaught: Micah Debose (2025 four-star OL) and Deryc Plazz (2024 three-star OT and Miami commit) are names to watch. But the buzz is all about Ziyare Addison, another 2025 four-star OL. Could a commitment be on the cards?

• Defensive Dynamos: Zion Grady (2025 four-star DE) leads the pack, but Isaiah Gibson and local star Jalen Wiggins are hot on his heels. And while the Gators might be the favorites for Wiggins, FSU's allure is undeniable.

• First-Timers: The 2025 class sees Amare Adams and Kevin Oatis, both four-star recruits, making their FSU debut.

Saturday is shaping up to be more than just a game. It's a showcase, a statement, and a glimpse into the future of FSU football.

Read More

Seminoles' Snap Counts: Players to Watch in October

As the Seminoles gear up for the next stretch of the 2023 season, there's a lot of buzz around the team's snap counts. The recent article from 247 Noles provides a detailed breakdown of these counts and weighs in on some players that they believe should see more action on the field. Here's a distilled look at the most intriguing insights and players we're eager to see more of:

Rodney Hill's Explosive Potential Rodney Hill, the running back, has been turning heads with his impressive stats. Averaging 5.7 yards per carry, Hill's PFF Elusive Rating stands at 102.3, the highest for any player with double-digit carries. His ability to create hidden yards and his explosive factor, evidenced by leading the team in runs of 15+ yards (3), suggests that increasing his touches could be a game-changer for FSU.

Darius Washington's Versatility on the O-Line Darius Washington has showcased his adaptability, filling in various roles on the offensive line. Notably, he's FSU's highest-graded OL with a PFF Grade of 76.3. The debate now is whether Washington's value lies in a consistent starting position or as a versatile backup. Given his performance, there's a strong case for him having a more defined role each week.

Fresh Faces in the Safety Position Two freshman safeties, K.J. Kirkland and Conrad Hussey, are on the radar for more playtime. Kirkland, who had an early start in spring, has demonstrated good instincts and physicality in practices. Meanwhile, Hussey, despite being on campus for just a few months, ranks as FSU's fifth-best defender per PFF Grades (75.8). Both players could bring depth and dynamism to the Seminoles' defense.

Destyn Hill's Potential in the Receiving Game Wide receiver Destyn Hill has the capability to attack defenses both vertically and with his YAC ability in the short/intermediate passing game. With TE Kyle Morlock having significantly more snaps than slot receivers like Hill, there's an opportunity to diversify the attack, especially against teams with weaker linebackers or slot corners.

As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these players and insights shape the Seminoles' strategy and performance on the field.

Read More

Gridiron Gaze: Seminoles vs Hokies - A Closer Look

As the autumn breeze carries whispers of victory across Bobby Bowden Field, our mighty Seminoles are gearing up for a high-octane clash against the Hokies. The Chief has scoured the realms of sports punditry to bring you a potpourri of predictions for this gridiron gala:

1. Tomahawk Nation's Take: The word around the reservation is a triumphant war chant with a predicted score of 31-20 favoring the Seminoles (source).

2. Sports Chat Place's Whisper: Although shy on exact digits, the echo from the place of chatter nudges towards a Seminoles' stronghold, given their 4-0 streak against Hokies' 2-3 (source).

3. Tony's Tip from DocsSports: The betting arena sees a sliver of hope for the Hokies, advising a take on Virginia Tech with the points at +29 (source).

4. BigAl.com's Odds: The scales tip heavily towards FSU with opening odds placing them at -24, hinting at a high-scoring feud under the Florida sun (source).

5. On3's Oracle: The mystical powers of ESPN's FPI bestow an 89.2% chance of victory upon our Seminoles (source).

The leaves rustle with anticipation as the Seminoles sharpen their spears for Saturday's showdown. Stay tuned to The Chief Brief as we follow our warriors on the quest for ACC supremacy.

Closing Note:

As the echoes of today's clash fade into the Tallahassee night, the spirit of ‘Nole Nation marches on. We bid you adieu in this edition of The Chief Brief, but the garnet and gold narrative continues. Stay connected with the Seminole saga on our Instagram, where the legacy unfolds in visuals. Until our next edition, keep the Seminole spirit burning bright. Go Noles!